No. 6 | 1970 draft
Pick 9: DE Cedrick Hardman
Pick 17: DB Bruce Taylor
It probably wasn’t perfect for a top-10 pick, but Hardman had a very solid 12-year NFL career that included two Pro Bowl appearances. He was with San Francisco for his first decade in the league and got 121 starts in 139 games. The NFL didn’t track sacks during Hardman’s career, but getting a consistent 10-year starter in the first round isn’t the worst outcome.
Taylor was a two-way contributor as a starting cornerback and punt returner. He was the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1970 when he intercepted three passes. That rookie year also saw Taylor lead the league in punt return yards. His lone Pro Bowl selection came the following year when he had another three interceptions. Taylor went on to record 18 interceptions during his eight-year career.
Two Pro Bowl starters who last 10 and eight years, respectively, is a pretty good first-round haul. If the 49ers do that in 2020, they’ll be set up nicely for the future.