Who Was The Biggest Steal? #7

At lucky number seven on the countdown of the 10 greatest 49er draft picks is a linebacker considered to be by most one of the finest of his generation.

Previously: Number 10 - Y.A. Tittle, Number 9 - Ronnie Lott, Number 8 - Terrell Owens

Number 7:

1964 - Round - 3 - LB - Dave Wilcox, Oregon


The 6-3, 241-pound Wilcox was picked in the 3rd round by the 49ers in 1964 where he went on to star for 11 seasons. Converted to the outside linebacker position, Wilcox quickly established himself as one of the league’s finest. Nicknamed “The Intimidator,” he was ideally suited for the position, both mentally and physically. Known for his ability to disrupt plays, he was particularly tough on tight ends. He simply didn’t let anybody off the line of scrimmage whether to block or get into a pass route. Always prepared, Wilcox was a true student of the game and worked to be “fundamentally correct.”

He thrived on action and wanted it all directed his way. “What I do best,” Wilcox once stated, “is not let people block me. I just hate to be blocked.” Hall of Fame linebacker Joe Schmidt was impressed by his strength. “He gave us fits,” he remarked. “The lead block had to really come out hard to take him out because he was so strong.” Aided by his speed and long reach, he was also effective in pass coverage and managed to intercept 14 passes during his career. Elected to seven Pro Bowls in his 11 year career, Wilcox joined fellow 49ers Ronnie Lott and Joe Montana in being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.