The San Francisco 49ers Dream Team

Below are the abbreviations for the positional players:


QB = quarterback
RB = running back
FB = full back
WR = wide receiver
TE = tight end

C = center
OT = offensive tackle
OG = offensive guard

DT = defensive tackle
DE = defensive end

LB = line backer

CB = corner back
S = safety
SS = strong safety
FS = free safety

P = punter
PK = place kicker
KR = kick returner

In the 2003 NFL Draft, the 49ers selected Kwame Harris (OT) with the 26th overall pick. He did not become the elite player the 49ers were hoping to get with a 1st round draft pick. The team should have drafted Nnamdi Asomugha (CB), Ken Hamlin (S), Anquan Boldin (WR), Osi Umenyiora (DE) or Rashean Mathis (CB) - all Pro Bowl players.

In round 2, the San Francisco 49ers picked Anthony Adams (DT) and again, was not a good pick. Better players like Jason Witten (TE) or Lance Briggs (LB) were still available. In the 3rd round, the 49ers drafted Andrew Williams (DE) and surprise, he was another terrible pick (he played only 9 games). San Francisco could have added Terrence McGee (CB) or Asante Samuel (CB) instead.

Brandon Lloyd (WR) was selected in the 4th round and was one of many wide receivers that the 49ers could not develop into a NFL star. Lloyd was traded to the Washington Redskins in March 2006 where he would become the ultimate failure. Starting in 12 games, he produced the least amount of catches for a #2 receiver (23 receptions, 365 yards). There were bench players that produced more stats than Lloyd. The 49ers should have drafted David Diehl (OT) or Robert Mathis (DE).

In round 5, the 49ers picked Aaron Walker (TE) and lasted only two years. Dan Koppen (C) was still on the draft board. Arnaz Battle (WR) was taken in the 6th round. Another receiver, another wasted draft pick. Battle only has 11 touchdowns and 1792 receiving yards in five seasons with the 49ers (2003-2007). The team could have selected Pro Bowler Cato June (LB).

Ken Dorsey (QB) was picked in round 7 even though a much better option was available - Tony Romo (QB). In fact, Romo was an undrafted free agent just like Antonio Gates (TE) and Kris Dielman (OG). The San Francisco 49ers could have signed all three of these future Pro Bowlers. Imagine what the 49ers team would look like today if they did not absolutely make every wrong draft pick in 2003 alone. This was a horrible draft for the 49ers franchise.


Summary Of Players The San Francisco 49ers Should Have Acquired In 2003

Nnamdi Asomugha
Jason Witten
Terrence McGee
David Diehl
Dan Koppen
Cato June
Tony Romo
Antonio Gates
Kris Dielman

The 49ers had the 31st overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, which they used on Rashaun Woods (WR). Another receiver and another horrible pick. Woods lasted only two years and the 49ers continued to prove they can't draft any decent receivers. They got it right when they picked Jerry Rice (they haven't been so lucky since). The 49ers should have drafted Bob Sanders (SS) or Chris Snee (OT) with the 31st overall pick.

The 2nd round brought Justin Smiley (OG) and Shawntae Spencer (CB) to the 49ers. Both were actually good picks, but neither are Pro Bowl players. Future Pro Bowlers Darnell Dockett (DT), Nick Hardwick (C) and Nate Kaeding (PK) were still available.

The San Francisco 49ers selected Derrick Hamilton (WR) in round 3 and you should know the formula by now (receiver + 49ers = waste of a draft pick). Hamilton was no different. He spent two years with the team and caught zero passes! Zero receptions for this high draft pick! Was Matt Millen (former General Manager of the Detroit Lions) in charge of drafting for the 49ers as well? The 49ers should have drafted Chris Cooley (TE) or Matt Schaub (QB).

Isaac Sopoaga (DT) and Richard Seigler (LB) were taken in the 4th round by the 49ers. Sopoaga is still with the team but is not an impact player and Siegler only played one year. Better draft picks here would have been Jerricho Cotchery (WR), Nathan Vasher (CB) or Jared Allen (DE) who were available when Sopoaga was drafted. When Seigler was picked, Michael Turner (RB) was still on the draft board.

What's this? The 49ers, in round 6, actually drafted a Pro Bowl player! They selected Andy Lee (P). Even though Lee is a punter, the 49ers actually got one draft pick right. Again, the 49ers were horrible with their draft selections in the 2004 NFL Draft.


Summary Of Players The San Francisco 49ers Should Have Acquired In 2004

Bob Sanders
Darnell Dockett
Nick Hardwick
Chris Cooley
Jerricho Cotchery
Michael Turner

1. Frank Gore
2. Shaun Hill
3. Issac Bruce
4. San Francisco 49ers defense
5. Vernon Davis

The San Francisco 49ers actually had the 1st overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft (no doubt a direct result of their poor drafting the two previous years). Alex Smith (QB) was the pick and regarded as the future franchise quarterback. By 2008, Alex Smith could be one of the biggest draft pick busts in NFL history. When the 49ers strike-out, they like to keep that streak going. Obviously, there were better players left on the board like Aaron Rodgers (QB), Braylon Edwards (WR), DeMarcus Ware (LB), Shawne Merriman (LB), Jammal Brown (OT), Logan Mankins (OG) and Roddy White (WR). The 49ers passed on all of these guys.

In round 2, the 49ers selected David Baas (OG) and he has not started many games. To not be a full-time starter with this high a draft pick is another wasted selection by the 49ers. They could have drafted Lofa Tatupu (LB) or Vincent Jackson (WR).

No way! The 49ers actually selected another Pro Bowler in round 3? Frank Gore (RB) is actually one of the elite running backs in the NFL when healthy. Finally, the 49ers can feel proud about this draft pick. The club had another 3rd round pick, which they used to draft Adam Snyder (OG). He is mostly a starter for the 49ers, so they have to consider this pick a successful one (by their standards anyway). The 49ers could have considered Marion Barber III (RB) or Kyle Orton (QB) who were still available.

In the 5th round, the 49ers selected Ronald Fields (DT). Fields was not a good pick (he is not a starter) and a better option here would have been Pro Bowler Trent Cole (DE). A second pick in round 5 brought Rasheed Marshall (WR) to the team. He played only one year with the 49ers and should have been replaced by any number of undrafted NFL stars like Nate Washington (WR), Joshua Cribbs (KR), Ryan Grant (RB) or Atari Bigby (S). The 49ers could have drafted or signed any of these players.


Summary Of Players The San Francisco 49ers Should Have Acquired In 2005

Aaron Rodgers
Lofa Tatupu
Trent Cole
Nate Washington
Joshua Cribbs
Ryan Grant
Atari Bigby

With the 6th overall pick, the 49ers selected Vernon Davis (TE). The kid had a lot of hype, was a genetic freak and had all kinds of records in college, but in the NFL, so far he is a huge bust. With the huge contract came not a lot of offensive production the first three years with the 49ers. He has the physical tools, he just hasn't produced on the field. You certainly expect more from Davis with this high draft pick. The 49ers would have been better served drafting Antonio Cromartie (CB) or Jay Cutler (QB).

The 49ers had a rare second pick in the 1st round (22nd overall) and chose Manny Lawson (LB). Lawson could be a solid guy. It is too early to tell with him because he missed most of his second year with 49ers with an injury. However, guys that have already performed on the field that could have been selected here were DeMeco Ryans (LB), Greg Jennings (WR), Marcus McNeill (OT), Maurice Jones-Drew (RB) or Devin Hester (KR).

In the 3rd round, San Francisco drafted Brandon Williams (WR) and you know the formula (receiver + 49ers = waste of ... oh forget it). Williams didn't even make it through two full seasons before playing with the St. Louis Rams. Owen Daniels (TE) would have been a better pick.

The 49ers drafted Michael Robinson (RB) in round 4. He is a backup player to Frank Gore so he doesn't add a lot of value to the team unless Gore is hurt. A more explosive player, Leon Washington (RB), was still on the draft board. He is a threat even with a limited role. Brandon Marshall (WR) was also still available.

Parys Haralson (DE) was selected in the 5th round. So far he has not established himself as an impact player. Omar Gaither (LB) would have been a better draft pick here. In round 6, the 49ers drafted Delanie Walker (TE) who is really just a part-time player. Antoine Bethea (FS) should have been selected at this spot.

The 49ers actually had two more picks in the 6th round but neither one was used on a player worth drafting. San Francisco could have drafted a much needed stud receiver, but chose to ignore Marques Colston (WR) - a guy who nearly went undrafted (only three more players were drafted after Colston).


Summary Of Players The San Francisco 49ers Should Have Acquired In 2006

Antonio Cromartie
DeMeco Ryans
Owen Daniels
Leon Washington
Omar Gaither
Antoine Bethea
Marques Colston

As you can tell from the analysis above, the San Francisco 49ers have drafted poorly from 2003 - 2006. Even a couple of changes to their draft picks and the 49ers improve vastly over what they have now for a team.

The 49ers pathetic drafting has left this team with a lack of talent. Below is the club the 49ers could have drafted. It is a "dream team" for sure, but they would have certainly restored glory to this once admired franchise with these picks. The draft selections below are based on draft locations and team needs.

Tony Romo (QB)
Kyle Orton (QB)

Frank Gore (RB)
Michael Turner (RB)
Ryan Grant (RB)
Leon Washington (RB)

Braylon Edwards (WR)
Marques Colston (WR)
Jerricho Cotchery (WR)
Nate Washington (WR)

Antonio Gates (TE)
Chris Cooley (TE)
Owen Daniels (TE)

Nick Hardwick (C)
Dan Koppen (C)
David Diehl (OT)
Kris Dielman (OG)

Darnell Dockett (DT)
Trent Cole (DE)

Lofa Tatupu (LB)
Lance Briggs (LB)
DeMeco Ryans (LB)
Omar Gaither (LB)
Cato June (LB)

Nnamdi Asomugha (CB)
Terrence McGee (CB)
Antonio Cromartie (CB)
Bob Sanders (SS)
Atari Bigby (S)
Antoine Bethea (FS)

Andy Lee (P)
Joshua Cribbs (KR)