San Francisco traded pick No. 79 to San Diego for Nos. 91 and…
San Francisco traded pick No. 79 to San Diego for Nos. 91 and 173 plus a 2011 fourth-rounder. The 49ers selected NaVorro Bowman, Anthony Dixon and Kendall Hunter. Bowman became a three-time Pro Bowler and four-time first-team All-Pro, anchoring an elite defense. The Chargers selected Donald Butler, a useful multi-year starting linebacker, but even a solid return could not approach Bowman's impact.
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- pick 2010 3rd round pick (79th overall, Donald Butler)
San Francisco 49ers Received
- pick 2010 3rd round pick (91st overall, NaVorro Bowman)
- pick 2010 6th round pick (173rd overall, Anthony Dixon)
- pick 2011 4th round pick (115th overall, Kendall Hunter)
Trade Analysis
Why San Diego Moved Up
The Chargers sent picks No. 91 and No. 173 plus a 2011 fourth-rounder to San Francisco for No. 79 in the 2010 draft. San Diego selected linebacker Donald Butler, seeking an every-down defender for its front seven. Butler eventually became a regular starter and delivered several productive seasons, so the Chargers did receive meaningful value.
What San Francisco Received
The 49ers used No. 91 on Penn State linebacker NaVorro Bowman and No. 173 on running back Anthony Dixon. The future fourth-round choice became No. 115 in 2011, used on running back Kendall Hunter. Dixon and Hunter both contributed as reserve backs and special-teamers, adding useful depth to a roster that soon became a championship contender.
How Bowman Changed Everything
Bowman turned a routine trade-down into a franchise-defining win. He became a full-time starter in 2011 and earned first-team All-Pro honors four times. He made three Pro Bowls, formed an elite linebacker pairing with Patrick Willis and was a central figure on teams that reached three consecutive NFC Championship Games and Super Bowl XLVII. His peak was among the best at his position in the league.
Why This Trade Still Matters
Butler's success is important context. San Diego did not move up for a bust; it acquired a legitimate starting linebacker. San Francisco simply found a far more valuable linebacker twelve picks later while also gaining two additional contributors.
Final Verdict
San Francisco 49ers Win. Bowman's All-Pro career, plus Dixon and Hunter, makes the 49ers' return an A+. The Chargers receive a B- because Butler was a productive starter. This is not a case of one team getting nothing; it is a case of the other team finding a transformational player and extra depth at the same time.