49ers NFL Draft history: Top 5 defensive backs drafted in the 2000s

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Tarrell Brown #25 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Cornerback Tarell Brown

At number three we have cornerback Tarell Brown, yet another multi-year starter on the 49ers. His career lasted slightly longer than Ahmed Plummer’s. Brown remained in the league for nine years, which is a nice stretch of time for someone in his position.

Brown was a fifth-round (147th overall) draft pick by the 49ers in 2007 out of Texas. He didn’t earn a starting role until the 2011 season, in which he started all 16 regular-season games. That year was also the first time the 49ers made the playoffs in nine seasons.

Brown made his playoff debut against the New Orleans Saints on Jan. 14, 2012. In that game, he picked off Saints quarterback Drew Brees, and the Niners ended up with a 36-32 victory.

Not too shabby for a first-timer.

Brown never got to Pro Bowl or All-Pro level either, but sustained success as a starter. In his nine seasons, he made eight playoff appearances, three of which were NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl.

He spent his last two seasons with the Oakland Raiders and New England Patriots, respectively. But Brown will always be remembered in 49ers circles as a starter on the Jim Harbaugh-era defenses.