San Francisco 49ers: Ranking 5 best fifth-round NFL Draft picks of all time
By Peter Panacy
player. 873. . Defensive Back. Aggies . Jeff Fuller. 3
One can only wonder the kind of career defensive back Jeff Fuller could have had if he didn’t suffer a career-ending injury back in 1989. Up to that point, both he and Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott paired to make one of the most physically imposing defensive backfields in 49ers history.
Fuller, whom the Niners selected in 1984 out of Texas A&M, started off as a reserve player and special teams ace. But by 1987, he was a full-time starter and enjoyed being paired with the hard-hitting Lott.
And Lott also returned the favor, calling Fuller one of the hardest-hitting safeties of all time.
1986 and 1988 saw Fuller record four interceptions in each season, too, adding yet another level to his impressive game.
Unfortunately, that career-ending spinal injury suffered in October of 1989 ended what was looking to be an excellent career from a player who still managed to win two Super Bowl rings.