Who Was The Biggest Steal? #2

The runner-up in the countdown of the 10 greatest 49er draft choices of all time, is the current backfield center-piece and the best hope for a return to glory.

Previously: Number 10 - Y.A. Tittle, Number 9 - Ronnie Lott, Number 8 - Terrell Owens, Number 7 - Dave Wilcox, Number 6 - Merton Hanks, Number 5 - Charles Haley, Number 4 - Guy McIntyre, Number 3 - Jerry Rice

Number 2:

2005 - Round - 3 - RB - Frank Gore, Miami

After their much hyped first overall selection of Utah quarterback Alex Smith to be the team's saviour, the remaining choices in the 49ers 2005 draft went relatively unnoticed. However, with their 3rd pick, San Francisco tapped halfback Frank Gore from the Miami Hurricanes. Gore was intended to come in initially only as training camp competition for incumbent back Kevan Barlow, but proved a diamond in the rough.

Having suffered major injuries to both knees and shoulders at Miami in his junior year, Gore was a gamble even as a 3rd round pick. Coach Mike Nolan, in his initial draft at the helm, saw past that worry to the potential that had previously helped make Gore the starter at Miami in front of such future NFL talent as Clinton Portis and Willis McGahee.

Gore was impressive in his rookie campaign, gaining better than 600 yards rushing despite starting only one game. He was impressive enough for the 49ers to trade Barlow prior to 2006 clearing the way for a record breaking season. Gore led the NFC in rushing yards, making him the first player in 49ers history to do so. He also set a franchise record for yards rushed in a season with 1,695 yards, topping former record-holder Garrison Hearst. A Pro Bowl selection followed, hopefully the first of many.

Though it may be early to call this such a franchise changing pick ,if he can stay healthy, Gore has the desire and ability to be a driving force in the 49ers revival, and an able help to Alex Smith.