49ers NFL Draft history: Ranking 10 best late-round picks

3 of 11

Eric Heitmann #66 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Getty Images) /

No. 9: 49ers Offensive Guard Eric Heitmann

Round 7, No. 239 Overall in the 2002 NFL Draft

Unfortunately for the 49ers’ first of three seventh-round picks from the 2002 NFL Draft, former Stanford offensive lineman Eric Heitmann didn’t exactly enjoy bright times with the team drafting him.

The Niners used to have a trend of not starting rookies along their offensive line during the 2000s and early 2010s, yet Heitman quickly broke into the starting lineup his rookie year. That alone isn’t bad for a seventh-round pick.

But what Heitmann even more remarkable was being able to serve as a regular starter for the entirety of his eight-year career outside of his 2003 campaign where an injury cut his season in half.

Heitmann moved around between left guard and center during his career and was one of the few mainstays along San Francisco’s O-line during a time when the team was generally bad.

At least Heitmann managed to make a positive impact before a back injury prematurely ended his career after 2009.