San Francisco 49ers: Regrading All 6 NFL Draft Classes of GM Trent Baalke

Niner Noise takes a look at all six of San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke’s NFL Draft classes dating back to 2011 and grades them based off specific criteria laid out in this slideshow.

Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Hindsight is the best tool when it comes to evaluating and NFL Draft. And it’s not an easy means of analysis since, well, one needs at least two or three years to determine whether or not any given prospect will live up to expectations.

For general manager Trent Baalke and the San Francisco 49ers, the current state of the 2016 franchise tells us most of what we need to know.

The Niners are bad. Very bad. And much of it has to do with the on-field talent. That falls on Baalke.

And since Baalke isn’t exactly a free-agency-type of GM, we need to evaluate his efforts in the NFL Draft to determine how successful he has been since taking over the role in 2011. Based on the 49ers’ record and stat lines now, he isn’t very good.

But there’s more to it. There always is.

We’ll go back to each draft and look at individual picks between 2011 and 2016. And we’ll use the following numeric ranking scale for every player:

From there, we’ll assess each draft class and assign it a grade like the ones you got in school (A through F), with emphasis given to higher draft picks and scaling down to the later rounds.

Make sense? Let’s begin with 2011.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell stands with 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith in the 2011 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The 2011 NFL Draft

The Picks

One might consider 2011 to be general manager Trent Baalke’s best draft class. Looking at the names, it’s fairly easy to see why.

Linebacker Aldon Smith — 5

Legal and off-the-field issues aside, linebacker Aldon Smith was one of the best pass-rushers San Francisco had in years. His 19.5 sacks in 2012 nearly broke the single-season record and also earned him a trip to the Pro Bowl as a first-team All-Pro.

Dec 16, 2012; Foxboro, Massachusetts, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) drops back to make a pass during the third quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. The San Francisco 49ers won 41-34. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick — 4

2014 and 2015 stunk for quarterback Colin Kaepernick. There’s no doubting that. But it’s impossible to overlook how he took the NFL by storm in 2012 and rode that momentum through 2013. Oh, and the Niners were in two NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl during that time.

Cornerback Chris Culliver — 3.5

It might have taken a couple of years for cornerback Chris Culliver to make an impact for the 49ers. But his 2015 campaign was a pretty good indication of what he’d be able to do. Too bad he didn’t stick around beyond that.

Running Back Kendall Hunter — 3

Tailback Frank Gore’s primary backup was a good change-of-pace running back between 2011 and 2015. Too bad injuries got in his way.

Offensive Lineman Daniel Kilgore — 4

Daniel Kilgore is currently anchoring the 49ers offensive line at center. Aside from injury, he has been one of San Francisco’s few mainstays along a problematic O-line in recent seasons.

Wide Receiver Ronald Johnson — 1

Wide receiver Ronald Johnson never saw action with San Francisco and is currently out of the NFL.

Defensive Back Colin Jones — 2

Colin Jones managed to appear in 13 games for the Niners in 2011, primarily on special teams.

Defensive End Bruce Miller — 4

Again, legal issues aside here. Before he was dismissed in 2016, defensive end (turned fullback, turned tight end) Bruce Miller was one of the more versatile weapons on San Francisco’s offense. Baalke found a gem here while it lasted.

Guard Michael Person — 1

Offensive guard Michael Person didn’t appear for San Francisco his rookie season and eventually landed with the Seattle Seahawks in 2012.

Defensive Back Curtis Holcomb — 1

Defensive back Curtis Holcomb didn’t see the field his rookie season and is now out of the NFL.

Cumulative Ranking: 2.9

Net Grade: B+

Next: The 2012 NFL Draft

April 27, 2012; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh and first round draft pick wide receiver A.J. Jenkins and general manager Trent Baalke pose for a photo at the 49ers headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The 2012 NFL Draft

The Picks

If 2011 was general manager Trent Baalke’s best year, 2012 has to be considered his worst.

Yes, this is the class which netted wide receiver A.J. Jenkins in Round 1. And exactly zero of these draftees remain with the 49ers now.

Wide Receiver A.J. Jenkins — 1

Jenkins is easily viewed as Baalke’s biggest draft bust to date. He never made any sort of impact for San Francisco’s offense, despite the team’s desperation for impact wideouts leading up to Super Bowl XLVII that season. The Niners traded him off the following year.

Aug 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back LaMichael James (23) before the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Running Back LaMichael James — 2

While running back LaMichael James might have been one of the most explosive collegiate players at the University of Oregon, his NFL efforts never panned out in then-offensive coordinator Greg Roman’s complex running scheme. Aside from his duties on special teams, Jenkins offered next to nothing.

Guard Joe Looney — 2

The 49ers were hoping offensive guard Joe Looney would be a long-term replacement along the offensive line or, at least, a decent interior backup. It never happened.

Linebacker Darius Fleming — 1

San Francisco didn’t get anything insofar as on-field production from linebacker Darius Fleming.

Safety Trenton Robinson — 1.5

Safety Trent Robinson appeared in three games for the 49ers in 2012, primarily on special teams. He managed to sign on with the Washington Redskins the following year.

Offensive Lineman Jason Slowey — 1

At least offensive lineman Jason Slowey extended his career into 2012 with the Oakland Raiders.

Linebacker Cam Johnson — 2.5

San Francisco didn’t have room for linebacker Cam Johnson but was able to trade him off to the Indianapolis Colts during the 2013 preseason. Not a bad way to get a return on an excess commodity.

Is it really possible he’s our highest-ranked draftee from this class?

Cumulative Ranking: 1.6

Net Grade: F

Next: The 2013 NFL Draft

49ers safety Eric Reid and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stand during the 2013 NFL draft. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

The 2013 NFL Draft

The Picks

At the time, general manager Trent Baalke’s 2013 draft class looked about as good as it could get. Baalke gambled on a few collegiate-injury picks but managed to land some upper-tier talent as well.

Yet only a handful of players managed to impact San Francisco in a positive way in subsequent seasons.

Safety Eric Reid — 5

First-round selection Eric Reid is the lone player from this class to make a Pro Bowl during his 49ers tenure. He remains a mainstay of San Francisco’s defense and should probably continue to do so in coming seasons.

Defensive End Tank Carradine — 2

It took the 49ers three years to figure out Tank Carradine wasn’t a 3-4 defensive end, but rather a traditional edge rusher? Carradine’s redshirted rookie season didn’t help either, and he has yet to live up to his collegiate hype.

Tight End Vance McDonald — 2.5

2016 might be the year in which the 49ers get a return on their investment for tight end Vance McDonald. He’s been known for injuries and dropped passes dating back to his rookie season, which should make fans cringe considering the Niners took him in Round 2.

Linebacker Corey Lemonier — 1.5

San Francisco traded up to get former Auburn pass-rusher Corey Lemonier in Round 3. He never made a significant impact, was relegated to backup duties and was cut at the beginning of 2016.

Dec 6, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Corey Lemonier (96) reacts to dropping an interception during the overtime period against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. San Francisco won 26-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Again, another Round 3 bust.

Wide Receiver Quinton Patton — 2.5

We keep saying on a yearly basis, “this will be the season in which Quinton Patton breaks out.”

He hasn’t so far. But the occasional nice grab now and then force us to continue this belief. But for how long?

Running Back Marcus Lattimore — 1

Had it not been for his own gruesome collegiate knee injury, former South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore could have been an NFL star. But he retired during his rehabilitation process and never saw pro action. It’s too bad.

July 24, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Quinton Dial (92) during training camp at the SAP Performance Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Tackle Quinton Dial — 4.5

This might be the gem of San Francisco’s 2013 draft class. Defensive tackle Quinton Dial is a mainstay of San Francisco’s defensive line, and he’s due to reach a Pro Bowl or two over his career. Nice find for Baalke.

Linebacker Nick Moody — 2

At least linebacker Nick Moody managed to get into all 16 regular-season games for the 49ers — starting two of them — in 2014.

Quarterback B.J. Daniels — 1

Quarterback B.J. Daniels had one impressive preseason game for the 49ers. No project here.

Offensive Tackle Carter Bykowski — 1

At 6-foot-7 and 313 pounds, offensive tackle Carter Bykowski is a big dude. And that’s about it.

Cornerback Marcus Cooper — 1

The 49ers might have had a nice little find had they held onto cornerback Marcus Cooper after the preseason. He signed with the Kansas City Chiefs that year and has been a regular in secondaries ever since.

Cumulative Ranking: 2.2

Net Grade: C-

Next: The 2014 NFL Draft

May 28, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive back Jimmie Ward (25) during organized team activities at the SAP Performance Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The 2014 NFL Draft

The Picks

If 2012 was a disaster for general manager Trent Baalke, and 2013 wasn’t much better, 2014 looked decent.

At least when evaluating some of the latter picks Baalke took after Round 2.

Defensive Back Jimmie Ward — 4.5

His rookie season might have been one to forget, but Jimmie Ward has now emerged as one of San Francisco’s best defensive backs on the field. He earned a starting role on the outside to begin 2016, and it’s possible he winds up earning a Pro Bowl nod in the near future.

But that’s what one should expect out of a first-round pick.

Running Back Carlos Hyde — 5

The 49ers found their heir apparent to Frank Gore by drafting former Ohio State standout Carlos Hyde.

Nov 23, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Redskins in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Redskins 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

If Hyde was running behind an offensive line that could run block, he’d be a perennial Pro Bowler. Oh, and health reasons are an issue. Still, Hyde is now the bell cow of San Francisco’s offense.

Center Marcus Martin — 2

Former USC center Marcus Martin probably should get a 1-grade, but he’s actually seen quite a bit of the field. He just hasn’t performed well. It’s surprising to still see him on the roster. But at only 22 years old, maybe the 49ers feel he can still grow into a bona fide role.

Linebacker Chris Borland — 4

Oh, what could have been. Linebacker Chris Borland retired after one of the most promising rookie seasons in franchise history. And the 49ers sure do miss his instincts and tackling prowess.

Can’t fault Baalke there.

Guard Brandon Thomas — 1

Another one of Baalke’s redshirt picks. Offensive guard Brandon Thomas was highly touted coming out of college. But he struggled against bull rushes and never saw the field with San Francisco. The Niners traded him to the Detroit Lions for wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (a steal, in hindsight), but Thomas couldn’t even make the Lions’ 53-man roster.

Wide Receiver Bruce Ellington — 2.5

Like wide receiver Quinton Patton on the previous slide, fellow wideout Bruce Ellington is one of those guys we constantly await to have a breakout year. And yet injuries continue to set him back.

He’s on injured reserve now.

Cornerback Dontae Johnson — 3

It’s hard to figure out why cornerback Dontae Johnson doesn’t get more looks, but maybe he’ll be nothing more than just an OK backup within the secondary. It looks as if that will be the case moving forward.

Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) looks on from the sideline during the second half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Francisco won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Linebacker Aaron Lynch — 4

The 49ers found a gem in Round 5 when they selected linebacker Aaron Lynch. Lynch remains the Niners’ best pass-rusher. And while conditioning issues have been a concern, he’ll likely be a major piece of the San Francisco defense in coming years.

Let’s hope he’s on the ascent.

Cornerback Keith Reaser — 2.5

Earlier this offseason, cornerback Keith Reaser had to worry about his job thanks to the addition of yet three more corners to the Niners’ 90-man roster. But Reaser won out and has managed to play in four games in 2016.

Cornerback Kenneth Acker — 3

Cornerback Kenneth Acker looked like he could be another gem in this class, after a strong showing for the first half of 2015. He fell out of favor down the stretch though, and San Francisco dealt him off during the 2016 preseason.

Defensive Tackle Kaleb Ramsey — 1

No offense, but we probably have to remind ourselves who this guy even was.

Fullback Trey Millard — 1

Fullback Trey Millard was supposed to be the next 49ers H-back and/or long-term replacement for now-released fullback Bruce Miller. It never happened.

Cumulative Ranking: 2.6

Net Grade: B

Next: The 2015 NFL Draft

Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon defensive lineman Arik Armstead talks to the media at the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

The 2015 NFL Draft

The Picks

It’s getting a little harder to assess these players’ impact, since we only have a year-plus of results under our belt. But let’s do what we can.

The 2015 49ers draft class kicked off with the first-round selection of Oregon defensive end Arik Armstead, who could wind up being a significant player if he continues to develop and contribute at his current rate. That’s good.

The rest? Well, it’s a mixed bag.

Defensive End Arik Armstead — 3.5

We’d like to give Armstead a 4-grade here. But the fact he had relatively few snaps his rookie season and has been hampered by a nagging shoulder injury in 2016 makes it tough.

Armstead may never wind up being a perennial Pro Bowler. But he could wind up providing the kind of impact to San Francisco’s defensive line like Ray McDonald used to offer before he was released.

Safety Jaquiski Tartt — 3

Former Samford product Jaquiski Tartt was supposed to deliver the mean streak lacking from the 49ers secondary when he was taken in Round 2. He has that physicality, but his coverage skills are still lacking.

Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs the ball defended by San Francisco 49ers safety Jaquiski Tartt (29 during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Dallas Cowboys won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Will he ever make the jump from being an OK player to someone of above-average caliber?

Linebacker Eli Harold — 3

Like Tartt, linebacker Eli Harold has yet to make his stamp on the 49ers defense. He could still be a prolific pass-rusher. The problem is we just haven’t seen it yet. And he didn’t exactly turn heads while fellow linebacker Aaron Lynch was out four games serving a suspension to start 2016.

Tight End Blake Bell — 2

OK, so former quarterback, turned tight end Blake Bell is an experiment in the works. Perhaps he has the intangibles to be a big playmaker. The problem is we haven’t seen any notable production. This is starting to look like a wasted pick.

Jan 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Mike Davis (22) reacts after rushing for a first down against the St. Louis Rams in the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Running Back Mike Davis — 2.5

Former South Carolina tailback Mike Davis looked like a bust his rookie year. But he had some notable moments in the 2016 preseason. That’s what he’ll need to build on as he looks to climb the depth chart behind No. 1 running back Carlos Hyde.

Wide Receiver DeAndre Smelter — 1

Yet another one of general manager Trent Baalke’s “All-ACL” picks. You guessed it, he’s still dealing with injuries and isn’t on the 53-man roster for the second year in a row.

Punter Bradley Pinion — 3

OK, so punter Bradley Pinion is starting. So he should get a 4-grade, right?

The only problem is San Francisco used a draft pick on a guy who could have probably been had as an undrafted free agent. Another wasted pick.

Offensive Lineman Ian Silberman — 1

Well, at least offensive guard Ian Silberman managed to get into one game with the 49ers before being released in 2016. He’s currently with the New England Patriots.

Tackle Trent Brown — 3.5

On one hand, Denver Broncos All-Pro pass-rusher Von Miller called Trent Brown one of the best linemen he’s seen. On the other, Brown can’t run block. He did beat out former first-round draft pick Anthony Davis, now retired, for the starting job though. That’s worth something.

Tight End Busta Anderson — 1

We’re still waiting to see whether or not tight end Busta Anderson can surpass Bell on the TE depth chart. Maybe soon.

Cumulative Ranking: 2.4

Net Grade: B-

Next: The 2016 NFL Draft

Feb 26, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon defensive lineman Defo Buckner speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

The 2016 NFL Draft

The Picks

OK, so it’s much harder to gauge this draft class based solely of the preseason and five weeks of regular-season action.

But there are a few standouts from the 49ers’ efforts in the 2016 NFL Draft, chief among them, rookie cornerback Rashard Robinson.

And we’lll have to see if first-round selections DeForest Buckner and Joshua Garnett develop into key components for San Francisco in coming years.

Defensive End Deforest Buckner — 4

His collegiate hype alone earns Buckner a 4-grade here. Yes, he’s still going through his growing pains at the NFL level and needs to work on his run defense. But the raw skill set is there. And there is little to doubt he’ll be an impact player in coming years.

Guard Joshua Garnett — 3

Garnett gets his first start in Week 6 against the Buffalo Bills. He couldn’t win a starting job in Week 1, which is a bit of a mark against him. But he has excellent run-blocking abilities, which is exactly what San Francisco’s problematic offensive line needs moving forward.

Cornerback Will Redmond — 1

Ah, the latest of general manager Trent Baalke’s “All-ACL” picks. Will Redmond has yet to see the field in regular-season action and remains on injured reserve. He could return later this season. Maybe he winds up securing the nickel role, which is vacant due to Chris Davis’ knee injury.

Cornerback Rashard Robinson — 4

Robinson has, by far, been the best player for the 49ers from this draft class so far. Pro Football Focus ranked him the No. 3 rookie heading into Week 6. Quite an accomplishment.

Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Is it possible the Niners found a shutdown corner to build a secondary around for years to come?

Defensive End Ronald Blair — 3

Rookie defensive end Ronald Blair likely won’t be an every-down player. At least not anytime soon. But he could wind up overtaking fellow edge rusher Tank Carradine on the depth chart. Blair has the ability to line up almost anywhere within the defensive front seven. And the 49ers need all the pass-rushing help they can get.

Tackle John Theus — 2

Well, at least the 49ers have a backup to back up their tackle needs. Maybe former Niners tackle Anthony Davis’ retirement is a good thing for rookie John Theus.

Tackle Fahn Cooper — 1

The guy who backed up Ole Miss tackle Laremy Tunsil is on San Francisco’s practice squad.

August 26, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jeff Driskel (6) warms up before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi’s Stadium. The Packers defeated the 49ers 21-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback Jeff Driskel — 1

San Francisco could have kept rookie quarterback Jeff Driskel as a project. Instead, the Niners kept veteran QB Christian Ponder on the roster and let Driskel go to the Cincinnati Bengals after the preseason.

Running Back Kelvin Taylor — 1

Running back Kelvin Taylor is also on San Francisco’s practice squad.

Wide Receiver Aaron Burbridge — 2

The guy who made former Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook look good is buried on the 49ers depth chart. With few of the remaining Niners wideouts contributing, rookie Aaron Burbridge may see some more looks between now and Week 17.

He doesn’t have speed on his side. But his hands and catch radius look pretty good.

Cornerback Prince Charles Iworah — 1

Cornerback Prince Charles Iworah is fast. So fast, he made it to the practice squad in time before another team grabbed him after preseason roster cuts.

Cumulative Ranking: 2.1

Net Grade: C-

Next: Cumulative Draft Rankings & Grades

January 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Chip Kelly (left) addresses the media in a press conference after being introduced as the new head coach for the San Francisco 49ers as 49ers general manager Trent Baalke (right) looks on at Levi’s Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Cumulative Draft Rankings and Grades

First, let’s assess a total grade for general manager Trent Baalke’s draft efforts between 2011 and 2016.

Putting them together — without weight to one year over the other — we get a:

C-

But if we were to weight the grade — place emphasis on higher-round picks and/or the ability to find quality mid-level picks, the grade quickly drops to a D.

How so?

A good chunk of Baalke’s first- and second-round picks have been solid. But not stellar. We can count just two Pro Bowlers in Rounds 1 and 2 dating back to 2011. There have been some OK mid-level picks. But not enough to shore up any depth-chart issues. If you want proof, just go look at the Niners’ current standings.

Let’s look at the cumulative number rankings too. These aren’t weighed but can provide an average assessment for the net players drafted. The ranking is:

2.3

If we go by the criteria on the opening slide, this tells us the overall mean of players lands just slightly above our low-impact/depth category.

Sadly, that’s how a good chunk of the 49ers roster looks right now.

More from Niner Noise

These metrics aren’t perfect. Few evaluation systems are. But we can at least draw a line from the 49ers’ current struggles to Baalke’s efforts. And they haven’t been great.

No GM is going to have a perfect draft class. There just isn’t any exact science to it. But some general managers are better than others, and the Niners’ recent track record isn’t exactly pointing in the right direction.

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com andSports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.

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