Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers NFL Draft history: Best player taken in each round

By Peter Panacy

SAN FRANCISCO - SEPTEMBER 20: Former member of the San Francisco 49ers Jerry Rice looks on against the New Orleans Saints during an NFL game at Candlestick Park on September 20, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO - SEPTEMBER 20: Former member of the San Francisco 49ers Jerry Rice looks on against the New Orleans Saints during an NFL game at Candlestick Park on September 20, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) /
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Sep 14, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers former defensive end Charles Haley is honored at halftime ceremony against the Minnesota Vikings as Ronnie Lott, Eddie DeBartolo Jr., Joe Montana and David Baker watch at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers former defensive end Charles Haley is honored at halftime ceremony against the Minnesota Vikings as Ronnie Lott, Eddie DeBartolo Jr., Joe Montana and David Baker watch at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 4: Linebacker Charles Haley

Selected No. 96 overall in the 1986 NFL Draft

The 1986 49ers were already loaded with talent, but the team’s NFL Draft class that year produced a number of great talents, including fullback Tom Rathman, wide receiver John Taylor and linebacker Charles Haley.

Haley was the last of this stellar group, picked up in Round 4 at No. 96 overall. He made an immediate impact his rookie year, racking up 12 sacks and 59 tackles. 1988 saw Haley make the Pro Bowl for the first time in his storied career, and he backed that up with a first-team All-Pro selection in 1990.

Yet just as big as Haley’s production on the field were his clashes with head coach George Seifert and other teammates. Haley’s problematic temperament was seen as a major issue for a team considered the elite of the elite.

Subsequently, San Francisco dealt Haley to the Dallas Cowboys in a 1992 move that started the Cowboys’ run of dominance that decade.

Still, Haley remains one of the 49ers greats.

Honorable Mentions: OT Steve Wallace (No. 101 overall), LB Matt Hazeltine (No. 45 overall)