San Francisco 49ers' top 9 NFL Draft steals of all time
How did these particular late-round 49ers picks became NFL Draft-day heists?
By Scott Conrad
In 1936, the NFL conducted its first ever draft on Feb. 8, 1936, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. It was created to end bidding wars among teams for new players entering the league.
While the number of rounds changed over the years, just about every team has been able to capitalize on finding that diamond in the rough.
The San Francisco 49ers have been lucky to have lightning strike quite a few times in later rounds of the NFL Draft.
Here's a list of the Niners' top nine draft steals in franchise history.
No. 9: OT Steve Wallace, Round 4, 101st pick overall (1986)
Steve Wallace established himself as a stud in the college ranks blocking for Heisman Trophy winner, Bo Jackson, at Auburn University. He is a three-time NFL Champion, having won his rings with the 49ers in 1988, 1989 and again in 1994.
Earning his first Pro Bowl selection in 1992, Wallace also earned first-alternate honors the next two seasons. More impressively, he was never a part of a losing season as the 49ers experienced 10 wins or more with him on the roster.
This late-round pick stood the test against Hall of Fame defensive players such as Richard Dent and Lawrence Taylor. Wallace has solidified his stance in San Francisco as one of the greatest draft steals in team history.