Niner Noise
FanSided

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

By James LeBreton

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)
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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Randy Cross, 49ers
Randy Cross #51 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by David Madison/Getty Images) /

Greatest 49ers drafted all-time Round No. 2: OL Randy Cross

Randy Cross might have only accounted for one of the great protectors on the 1980s All-Decade team, but in terms of locking down the defender, he was thee protector.

With the ability to play both guard and center, his versatility alone made him an asset, but his tenacious gameplay against opposing offenses made him irreplaceable. Cross was not only efficient in the passing game, but as a pulling guard, he was valuable in the rushing attack as well.

His efforts in the regular season were nothing short of spectacular, but the postseason seemed to elevate his game to different heights.

Cross was an every-down lineman and lived for the competition week after week. He was voted to three Pro Bowls by his peers which alone is an impressive feat, but when you factor in the stiff competition he was up against, it makes the honor even more prestigious.

To this day, his name is synonymous with the franchise as a member of the 10-year club, an honor given to members who played 10 years or more for the franchise. This is just another testament to his durability and love for the game.

His name alone will forever be tied to the franchise as one of the All-Time greats. But his efforts on the field will serve as the gold standard to every future lineman for the franchise.

Honorable Mentions: Roger Craig, Keena Turner