Ranking 10 best 49ers wide receivers taken in NFL Draft

No. 4: Gene Washington

No. 16 Overall, 1969 NFL Draft

If it weren’t for Jerry Rice and Terrell Owens, it would be possible to make the argument Gene Washington was the best 49ers wide receiver of all time.

Late in his career with San Francisco, Washington was hindered by some awful 49ers teams in the mid-to-late 1970s. Despite this, he still managed to put together a number of notable campaigns before the Niners dynasty of the 1980s found its roots. It’s unfortunate Washington wasn’t able to be part of those glory years, even though he helped shape the buildup.

But when looking back to the early portion of Washington’s career after being selected in Round 1 of the 1969 NFL Draft, it’s easy to see why the 6-foot-2 target was such a weapon.

Washington earned Pro Bowl nods his first four seasons, which included three first-team All-Pro nods. In 1970, the former Stanford standout recorded a league-best 1,100 receiving yards to go with 12 touchdowns.

He’d record another 12 touchdowns again in 1972.

Interestingly enough, Washington’s only 1,000-yard campaign came during that 1970 season. Yet he still ranks fourth best in this category among all San Francisco pass catchers.

And those who saw him play can easily attest to how good the receiver was.