The inconvenient truth is number one
Frank Gore is a San Francisco 49ers legend. Gore finished with 16,000 rushing yards over 16 years for an average of 1,129 yards over a 17-game average. Ten of those years came as a 49er, whereas Gore amassed 11,073 yards and 64 touchdowns. After a successful college career at Miami, Gore was selected with the 65th overall pick in 2005 by San Francisco.
Gore’s selection came with a level of skepticism following a devastating leg injury he suffered in his final season at Miami. However, Gore was a model of consistency during his NFL career. During his 16-year NFL career, Gore never appeared in fewer than 11 games in any season.
Eric Edholm of NFL.com has identified Gore as the biggest running back draft value of the millennium.
Former 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan has said Gore was his favorite draft pick ever, and it’s not hard to see why. The 2005 class represented an era when backs were still considered potential top picks, as three (Ronnie Brown, Cedric Benson, and Cadillac Williams) were selected in the draft’s first five overall selections. Yet, as the first pick of Round 3 that year, Gore found a way to match — and in some cases, surpass — those three backs’ combined career NFL production.
Gore remained remarkably dependable and productive well into his late 30s, but he was at his best during his decade-long stint with the Niners. His relentless power, vision, and grit made him a fan and teammate favorite, as did his quiet demeanor off the field. Gore put together a Hall of Fame-worthy career, with 16,000 rushing yards (third all-time) and 19,985 yards from scrimmage (fourth all-time), and he’s an easy inclusion in this vaunted fraternity.
While the overall sentiment across the NFL is not to overdraft running backs, it’s hard to argue with Gore’s selection as the biggest value ever. Some would argue Gore should have been selected earlier, but given the medical concerns, teams must have been hesitant. The 49ers took a chance, and it turned into a home run selection.
Gore is a no-doubt Hall of Famer. Only two players in NFL history have more rushing yards than Gore. Hats off to an amazing career!