49ers all-time best NFL Draft picks by each round

CANTON, OH - AUGUST 06: Edward DeBartolo, Jr. (3rd R), former San Francisco 49ers Owner, is seen with his bronze bust alongside former San Francisco 49ers, Charles Haley (L), Steve Young (2nd L), Ronnie Lott (3rd L), Jerry Rice (2nd R) and Joe Montana (R) during the NFL Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on August 6, 2016 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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Larry Grant #54 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Greatest 49ers drafted all-time Round No. 7: LB Larry Grant

No, it’s not Brock Purdy. At least, not yet.

Looking back at every seventh-round selection in history made by San Francisco, there are only a few who stand out as the greatest pick of all time, and linebacker Larry Grant is the most deserving, bar none.

Grant was drafted by the 49ers in 2008 but didn’t officially play with them until 2011 when he spent two seasons on the active roster. Grant was good, but with linebackers Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman on the field, he saw limited play.

However, in a relief role, Grant was one of the best.

In 2011, Willis went down with a hamstring injury, and Grant took full advantage of the opportunity. During that span, he contributed 29 tackles, two sacks, a pass defended, and forced two fumbles.

More importantly, the Niners won two out of three games without their defensive captain due to Grant’s contributions. He was a well-rounded player who could step in as a leader or fall in line as a team player.

On any other NFL team, Grant would’ve been a Day 1 starter. But for San Franciscco, for a short time anyway, he was a savior.

Honorable Mentions: Brian Jennings