Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: 10 most underrated players in franchise history

By Peter Panacy

January 14, 1990: Wide receiver John Taylor of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball during a playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. The 49ers won the game, 30-3. Mandatory Credit: Otto Greule /Allsport
January 14, 1990: Wide receiver John Taylor of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball during a playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. The 49ers won the game, 30-3. Mandatory Credit: Otto Greule /Allsport /
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Kermit Alexander
Kermit Alexander (Photo by Gabriel Olsen/Getty Images) /

42. . Cornerback. 49ers Tenure: 1963-1969. Kermit Alexander. 5. player

When one thinks of the greatest 49ers defensive backs of all time, names like Ronnie Lott, Jimmy Johnson, Merton Hanks and Eric Davis come to mind.

But you’d be mistaken to leave off cornerback Kermit Alexander, who just happens to have the third most interceptions (36) in franchise history.

That’s five more than Hanks’ 31 and just 11 shy of Johnson’s 47.

Like many players of yesteryear, few fans may recall just how solid the 5-foot-11 Alexander was after being selected by San Francisco in Round 1 of the 1963 NFL Draft. And in the days before the NFL-AFL merger, it’s a good thing Alexander chose the Niners over the Denver Broncos, who also selected him in the first round of that year’s AFL Draft.

Alexander is underrated for his defensive abilities, but he makes this list also because he was so versatile. Doubling for many years on special teams as a returner, Alexander led the league back in 1965 with 741 kick-return yards.

That’s pretty special and worth of inclusion on this list.