Podcast: 49ers Mini-Camp & The Football Movie Draft →
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports


Why John Lynch believes the 2023 NFL Draft aligns with 49ers’ current situation

Mar 6, 2023 at 10:34 AM--


The San Francisco 49ers lack a first- or second-round pick in the upcoming draft. However, the team has done well with late-round picks in the past, finding gems like tight end George Kittle, linebackers Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw, and safety Talanoa Hufanga in the third round or later.

Just last year, the 49ers selected quarterback Brock Purdy with the last overall pick, selection No. 262. He ended up in third place for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

"I think it's something we've done well in our tenure here, and I really believe it speaks to the synergies we have as a personnel staff and coaching staff," general manager John Lynch recently told 49ers.com's Lindsey Pallares when asked about the team's good fortune with late-round picks. "I think it starts with [head coach] Kyle [Shanahan] and I. We enjoy being around each other. We enjoy challenging each other's views and arriving at conclusions as to who can help us. I think we're good at mapping out a plan.

"It's looking like 10, maybe 11 picks. We'll see on some of these comp picks. None of them being before about pick 100. And so you have to make them count, and you can't use that as an excuse. You constantly have to be replenishing your roster. It's just the way it is with turnover, and we look forward to that opportunity. That's what it is. It's a great opportunity to make yourself better."

Lynch isn't overly concerned about the 49ers' lack of early-round draft capital. They didn't own a first-round pick last year either, making their first selection with pick No. 61. Why the nonchalance toward their current situation?

"I think the draft this year, to me, kind of aligns with where we're at because I don't know if it's necessarily some of the top-end guys that have been there in the past," Lynch said, "but it is very deep, with really good players. So we're going to make the most of it and look forward to the opportunity."

The 49ers made the most of one opportunity last year with the selection of Purdy. The rookie came through for the team. He replaced Jimmy Garoppolo after the veteran suffered a broken foot on December 4, winning each of his ensuing seven starts before suffering a torn ligament in his elbow in the NFC Championship Game. He will undergo surgery on Friday.

"Everything that Brock has done has just always been steady," Lynch said. "I think what we found out this year is that he was a lot more than just steady. He performed at a really high level in a tough circumstance, getting thrown in there, in the midst of a game against a good team like the Miami Dolphins, and he never blinked.

"… We did wait until the end of the draft, and so shame on us as well. But Brock, thank God we did turn that pick in. Brock's a fantastic player, and I think will be for a long time in this league."

With the NFL Scouting Combine in the rearview mirror, the 49ers will shift focus to free agency, which kicks off next week. That, paired with next month's draft, will help the team replenish its roster for 2023 and beyond.

"Free agency is important to supplement your team, but the draft is really the lifeblood," Lynch noted. "I love the fact that we have 10 picks. Some people might say, 'Not ideal,' because a lot of them aren't early, but like I said, we've just got to make them all count, and I think we have a track record of doing that and doing it well."



LISTEN

Facebook Comments



More San Francisco 49ers News



Why John Lynch believes 49ers QB Brock Purdy is the "real deal"

By Rohan Chakravarthi
May 31

Over the offseason, there has been significant talk surrounding the San Francisco 49ers and their quarterbacks, especially after the team signed Sam Darnold in free agency, providing them three capable options with starting experience in the former Carolina Panther, Brock Purdy, and Trey Lance. Purdy is evidently the leader in the clubhouse, as stated by general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan several times this offseason, but many have pointed out his flaws, such as the inability to make throws downfield, as a reason why one of the other quarterbacks could win over the starting job with a strong performance in organized team activities(OTAs) and training camp. What do the 49ers believe about Purdy's downfield ability? General manager



NFL Network to live broadcast two 49ers preseason games in 2023

By David Bonilla
4 hrs

The NFL announced that two San Francisco 49ers exhibition games would be part of the 23 preseason games to air live on NFL Network in 2023. The first live broadcast will be the team's preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Kickoff for that game is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. PT on Sunday, August 13. The second live broadcast will be the 49ers' preseason finale against the Los Angeles Chargers at Levi's Stadium. That game is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. PT on Friday, August 25. It's worth noting that both games are the second part of double-headers. That means non-Bay Area fans may miss the early portions of those games while awaiting the end of the earlier matchups. On August 13, it will be a 10:00 a.m. PT matchup between the



PFF: 49ers' elite roster is reason for optimism despite "up in the air" QB situation

By David Bonilla
5 hrs

Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus went through all 32 NFL teams and picked a reason for optimism for each heading into the 2023 season. For example, last season's five-win Denver Broncos got a new Super Bowl-winning head coach in Sean Payton. Kenny Pickett could be ready for a second-year leap with the Pittsburgh Steelers (Hopefully, not in Week 1, though). What's the reason for optimism for the San Francisco 49ers? Sikkema admits that picking just one reason is challenging, so he went with the team's elite roster. San Francisco has stockpiled talented playmakers at almost every level. "Yes, their quarterback situation is still up in the air," wrote Sikkema. "But



Arik Armstead talks Steve Wilks, Nick Bosa, Javon Hargrave, and 49ers' QB situation

By David Bonilla
May 30

Arik Armstead is looking forward to the upcoming season. There is a lot to look forward to. His San Francisco 49ers have been to the NFC Championship Game three times over the past four seasons. They once again have a competitive roster and look to make another run at a Super Bowl championship. Armstead joined Adam Schefter on the ESPN insider's podcast, discussing several 49ers-related topics. New defensive coordinator Steve Wilks Steve Wilks replaces DeMeco Ryans as defensive coordinator. Armstead had nothing but praise for his former coordinator, who left to be the Houston Texans' head coach, but looks forward to working with Wilks. Wilks isn't expected to make any drastic changes in his first season helming the 49ers defense.


Featured

Trending News

Share 49ersWebzone