San Francisco 49ers: The Best 5 Draft Picks Of The Last Decade
By David Ochoa
Joe Staley, Round 1/Pick #28, 2007
Sep 9, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Joe Staley (74) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The 49ers defeated the Packers 30-22. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Football games are won in the trenches. A good line on both sides of the ball is absolutely essential for success, and drafting Joe Staley in the first round of the 2007 draft was the first step to a dominant offensive line. Staley is a franchise tackles that anchors the left side of the line. Staley is an extremely athletic lineman that is also extremely versatile. His versatility allows the 49ers’ offense to do many different things. Staley’s ability to run block, pass block, pull, be a lead blocker on screens and QB runs, and even catch passes, makes him one of the best left tackles in the league and one the best draft picks of the last decade.