(Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)
Because of the 2021 trade that allowed them to draft quarterback Trey Lance, the San Francisco 49ers did not have a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
That same trade, as well as the midseason trade that landed star running back Christian McCaffrey, also ensured they wouldn’t have a selection in the second round, which takes place on Friday.
However, the 49ers will have three picks each in the third round and fifth round.
Some fans may think those picks won’t amount to much, but the organization posted a photo on its official Twitter account to remind them of just a few stars it was able to nab on day two of the draft.
2nd & 3rd round royalty #FTTB pic.twitter.com/mLzbPyWAmA
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) April 28, 2023
Most notably, Joe Montana, who is the best quarterback in NFL history not named Tom Brady, was a third-round selection in 1979, and at the time, there were questions about his size and arm strength despite a strong college career at the University of Notre Dame.
Tom Rathman, a fullback out of the University of Nebraska, was a third-round pick in 1986 and enjoyed a nine-year career, mostly with San Francisco, allowing him to win two Super Bowls.
In 1983, they took running back Roger Craig in the second round, and he became a fixture for them throughout the rest of Montana’s time under center, making four Pro Bowls and winning three Super Bowls.
One of the great things about the NFL Draft is that late-round selections can always turn into stars, or at least productive starters, and perhaps the Niners will find at least one this year.
After all, from their current squad, All-Pro first-team linebacker Fred Warner, All-Pro first-team safety Talanoa Hufanga, and Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle all went in the third round or later.
The post 49ers Remind Fans Of Big Day 2 Draft Potential appeared first on The Cold Wire.