During a 24-year stretch of excellence, the 49ers had a draft strategy that is similar to what the organization has shown under general manager John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan.From 1979, when Bill Walsh was hired as 49ers coach, through 2002, the 49ers selected only one offensive lineman in the first round of the NFL draft.
And that player, Harris Barton, has no issue whatsoever with that philosophy.
Barton, the No. 22 overall selection in the 1987 draft, paid off for the 49ers. He was a two-time All-Pro and a three-time Super Bowl champion at right tackle.
During a panel discussion this week featuring past 49ers offensive and defensive linemen at the Dwight Clark Legacy Series, Barton and three-time Pro Bowler Randy Cross shared their thoughts.
“I’m not a big believer in drafting a tackle with, like, the eighth pick,” Barton said. “I don’t think that works anymore.”
Then, Cross interjected, “Unless he’s named Trent Williams.”
“Yes, unless it’s Trent Williams, right,” Barton said, referring to the 12-time Pro Bowl left tackle of the...