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

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

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SEPTEMBER 18: Delanie Walker #46 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball into the endzone for a 29 yard touchdown catch and run against the Dallas Cowboys in the third quarter of an NFL football game at Candlestick Park on September 18, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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Defensive Coordinator Robert Saleh with Dre Greenlaw #57 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Breaking the ‘Law

The 2019 NFL draft was a winner as well for the 49ers. In that draft, the Niners selected linebacker Dre Greenlaw from Arkansas in the fifth round (148th overall). Greenlaw got to work and made an immediate impact on the 2019 season.

Greenlaw finished the 2019 season with 92 combined tackles (64 solo), three tackles for a loss, 1.0 sack and one interception. Pro Football Focus also named him as part of their 2019 All-Rookie team.

Greenlaw’s biggest contribution came in the very last game of the 2019 NFL regular season. He stopped Seattle Seahawks tight end Jacob Hollister on the 1-yard line as time expired. That play prevented the Seahawks from winning the game, and also gave the 49ers the No. 1 seed in the NFC and a first-round bye in the playoffs.

Although it’s still early in his career, Greenlaw looked very well-adjusted to the NFL as a rookie. He showed the poise and consistency of a veteran. And it looks as though he will be a contributing force on the 49ers for many years to come, as well as a draft steal.