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

9 of 11

Offensive lineman Jesse Sapolu of the San Francisco 49ers Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn /Allsport /

No. 3: 49ers Center Jesse Sapolu

Round 11, No. 289 Overall in the 1983 NFL Draft

When offensive lineman Jesse Sapolu was drafted by San Francisco in Round 11 of the 1983 NFL Draft, it wasn’t quite clear what kind of role he would play. The 49ers already had Fred Quillan manning the center spot, while Randy Cross was already a Pro Bowl right guard.

On top of that, the lowly touted lineman out of Hawaii was suffering from a heart condition that could have killed him at any moment. Missing 1985 with a foot injury didn’t help his long-term cause either.

But no one would care for an 11th-round pick, right?

Think again.

When the Niners eventually wanted to move on from Quillan, Sapolu would be the name called to take over at center, which he did exceptionally well in 1988 and became a regular mainstay along San Francisco’s offensive line for the next nine years, earning one Pro Bowl, four Super Bowl rings and emerging as the 49ers’ best center in franchise history.

And a fan favorite, too.

Sapolu is proof it doesn’t necessarily matter where players are drafted, only what they’re able to do with their opportunities.