The NFL's Top 50 Draft Classes of the Decade: No. 49 San Francisco 49ers, 2007

49. San Francisco 49ers, 2007
Team Achievements: 20-28, Placed 2^nd in the NFC West in 2008 and 2009.
Notable Selections: Patrick Willis, LB, Ole Miss (No. 11), Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan (No. 28), Jason Hill, WR, Washington St. (No. 76), Ray McDonald, DE, Florida (No. 97), Dashon Goldson, DB, Washington (No. 126), Tarell Brown, DB, Texas (No. 147).
* San Francisco traded the No. 100 pick and 2008 first round pick (No. 7) to New England for the No. 28 pick.
** San Francisco traded the No. 42 pick to the Colts for the No. 126 pick and Colts' first round pick in 2008 (Kentwan Balmer, No. 29).

Class Accolades: Joe Staley - 3-year 49ers' starter.
Patrick Willis - Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2007, 2-time All-Pro, 3 Pro Bowls, 9 sacks, 4 interceptions, 466 total tackles, No. 1 in tackles in 2007 (174) and 2009 (152), No. 2 in tackles in 2008 (141).
Jason Hill - 40 receptions, 413 yards in 27 games with San Francisco.
Ray McDonald - 5 sacks, 38 total tackles in 40 games with San Francisco.
Dashon Goldson - 4 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles, 129 tackles in 3 seasons.
Tarell Brown - 4 interceptions, 53 total tackles in 3 seasons.
** 2008 1^st round pick Kentwan Balmer - 19 total tackles, zero sacks in two seasons.

Overall Draft Analysis: The 49ers last experienced postseason play and achieved a winning record in 2002. However, the team has steadily increased its win total for three consecutive seasons, culminating in an 8-8 campaign in 2009. Attribute a majority of San Francisco's improvement to the depth of its 2007 draft class. An impressive 6 players have contributed significantly to the team's performance, including 2-time All-Pro monster in the middle, Patrick Willis. Without question, Willis ranks as one of the NFL's three most valuable defensive players drafted in the past five years, along with DeMarcus Ware and Darelle Revis. The 49ers' defense remarkably ranked No. 4 in the NFL in points allowed in 2009, three years removed from placing last in 2006. The consistent, elite performance of Willis (No. 1, No. 2, and No. 1 in tackles the past 3 seasons) undoubtedly warrants inclusion on the league's list of the top 50 draft classes of the past decade. However, the 49ers lost significant long-term value in the trade with New England, by giving up its 2008 first round pick (No. 7) to select Staley. Consequently, rising stars Ryan Clady and Branden Albert were both available at the No. 7 slot in 2008. In spite of sacrificing considerable value, expect the anticipated longevity of Willis and Co. to propel the '07 class to a higher ranking during subsequent years. Putting an end to the team's extensive playoff drought would also significantly contribute to Willis' rightful place in NFL linebacker lore.

The 49ers' "Perfect Draft" in Retrospect
(Keeping actual trades, only players of same position are eligible)
No. 11 - LB Patrick Willis, No. 28 - OT Joe Staley, No. 76 - WR Mike Sims-Walker, No. 97 - DE Brian Robison, No. 104 - LB Clint Session, No. 126 - S Chinedum Ndukwe, No. 135 - DT Clifton Ryan, No. 147 - CB William Gay, No. 186 - RB Pierre Thomas (Undrafted).

Reference List
All stats and draft information as reflected on NFL.com as of February 19, 2010.
"San Francisco 49ers History." http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/history/SF/san-francisco-49ers.