Ranking the 49ers' last 10 first-round draft picks from worst to best

No. 4: DL DeForest Buckner (2016)

Taken with the seventh overall pick in the NFL Draft in 2016 by the 49ers, DeForest Buckner established himself as a great defensive lineman in San Francisco. He had 12 sacks in 2018, which was his best season as a pro so far.

However, after 2019, the 49ers traded Buckner to the Colts in exchange for their first-round pick which they used to select Javon Kinlaw, who we already know was unable to replace Buckner's productivity.

At the time, the thinking was that the Niners would be unable to afford both Buckner and Arik Armstead, so they had to choose which one they wanted to commit to longer term while trading the other. Debate on this decision among fans will never cease. Armstead had solid years since then, but there will always be that "what if?" on whether they had kept Buckner.

Nonetheless, Buckner had four good years with the Niners before he was traded. If he had not been traded, perhaps he would be higher on the list.

The next player on the list is currently a 49er but may be traded according to current rumors.