NFL Draft: 49ers 5 best late-round draft picks of the century

The San Francisco 49ers had some great NFL Draft picks this century. Most were in the early rounds, though. Who are the 49ers best late-round draft picks?

The San Francisco 49ers had many draft ups and downs throughout the 21st century.  There were many draft blunders, especially during Trent Baalke’s time as general manager. The majority of the 2012 draft class of the 49ers was out of the NFL after a few seasons.

That draft class was led by a first-round pick, wide receiver A.J. Jenkins, who never saw much action and found himself out of the NFL after three seasons. While the 2012 draft class was one to forget, several other draft classes had much more star power.

The 2007 draft, for example, brought much more success to San Francisco. The team had nine picks in that draft.

And three of those selections became Pro Bowl selections.

Linebacker Patrick Willis, safety Dashon Goldson and offensive tackle Joe Staley were those three individuals with Pro Bowl futures. To further emphasize the impact of that draft, Staley is still active with the Niners after 13 seasons.

Of the 49ers draft wins, the majority of them were selected in early rounds. Late-round picks are always hit or miss. But when they do pan out, it is glorious. To have a player flying under the radar and being able to steal them in late rounds validates the work of all the individuals in the front office and coaching staff who made the correct evaluations at the draft combine and more.

So, who have been the best players taken in Round 5 or later by the 49ers? Let’s take a look at the 49ers five best late-round draft picks of this century.