Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: Best late-round NFL Draft picks in franchise history

By Brandon Powell

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SEPTEMBER 9: Dwight Clark #87 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball after a catch against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game at Candlestick Park September 9, 1979 in San Francisco, California. Clark played for the 49ers from 1979-87. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SEPTEMBER 9: Dwight Clark #87 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball after a catch against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game at Candlestick Park September 9, 1979 in San Francisco, California. Clark played for the 49ers from 1979-87. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /
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player. 898. . Offensive Line. Rainbow Warriors . Jesse Sapolu. 4

1983 NFL Draft: Round 11, Pick No. 289 Overall

In a brutally physical league where the best ability is availability, offensive lineman Jesse Sapolu was that and more. From 1988 to 1996, Sapolu started all 16 games in eight of the nine seasons during the stretch, mostly at center. In his illustrious career, Sapolu played in 182 games for the 49ers in the regular season, as well as another 23 in the playoffs.

During his career, Sapolu’s San Francisco offenses were nothing short of dominant. From 1987, the first year in which Sapolu became a regular starter, to 1995, the 49ers were never outside the top three in total yardage in the league. They led the league in total scoring an incredible six times in the nine-year stretch, finishing in the top-three rushing offenses in four separate seasons and top-three passing offenses in seven separate seasons.

During their four Super Bowl-championship stretch from 1984 to 1994, the 49ers had multiple head coaches, offensive coordinators, starting quarterbacks, leading rushers and top receivers, but only one Sapolu.

In fact, Sapolu is one of only six 49ers to earn four Super Bowl rings, and the only one to have earned them all in the latter four Super Bowls (excluding the 1981 championship). For his efforts (in addition to the Super Bowl rings), Sapolu was a two-time Pro Bowler.