It's no secret that when it comes to the San Francisco 49ers' brain trust, coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch are essentially a package deal. While there have been some injury-ravaged and tumultuous seasons, there has been success.
Over the past nine seasons, the 49ers have posted 10-plus wins five times, won two division titles, earned nine playoff wins, and reached four NFC Championship Games and two Super Bowls. After going 10-22 in 2017 and 2018, the fastest way to reset the culture and return to a respected and winning franchise was through the draft.
There has been a litany of talent selected by Lynch and Shanahan, but not every player has been a home run in terms of availability, production, or character. Some players have bounced around with other teams and kept their careers going, while others just completely flamed out.
With the 2026 NFL Draft upon us, let's briefly look at five of the most notable mistakes.
Note: This list is subjective.
Jalen Hurd
The Baylor wide receiver was selected in the mid-third round, who was preceded by Deebo Samuel in the 2019 Draft. Knee and back injuries bookended an ACL injury, which occurred during training camp in 2020, landing him on injured reserve for the entirety of his three-year run with the 49ers.
Jalen Hurd never played a snap in a regular-season game. What makes the pick even more frustrating is that current standouts Terry McLaurin, David Montgomery, and Maxx Crosby were subsequently selected within the next 40 picks.
Solomon Thomas
The third overall pick in the 2017 Draft played in 46 career games during his 49ers tenure, totaling six sacks and one fumble recovery. Considered one of the top defensive players then, Solomon Thomas has since bounced around the league, becoming a journeyman rotational edge rusher, totaling his fourth team since the 49ers. He has been limited to six starts the past five seasons.
Now in Tennessee, Thomas will attempt to find his niche with a young, rebuilding club under Robert Saleh yet again. The production just wasn't good enough to justify a pick this high, considering T.J. Watt and two franchise quarterbacks were available (Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson).
Reuben Foster
After selecting Solomon Thomas, the 49ers selected linebacker Reuben Foster of Alabama. Upon his arrival in the Bay, Foster flashed right away. The toughness and instincts, along with speed from sideline to sideline, showed immediately for Foster, culminating in 72 total tackles, including seven for loss during his rookie 2017 season.
Injuries limited him to six games in 2018. Then reports about character, legal issues, and general conduct became public, leading Kyle Shanahan to cut Foster in November 2018. Sixteen career games for a first-round linebacker: that's a bust.
Jake Moody
After Robbie Gould and before Eddy Piñeiro, the 49ers' kicking duties belonged to Jake Moody from Michigan. Back in 2023, John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan opted to draft a kicker with a big leg rather than sign a street free agent, since the last kicker drafted as high as the third round was Nate Kaeding of the then-San Diego Chargers in 2004.
Moody impressed with 14 completed 50-plus yard field goals in his 49ers tenure, but also missed two extra points (including one in Super Bowl LIV) and 18 field goal attempts overall. The drafting of Moody was a leap of faith that ultimately ran (or kicked) its course.
Trey Lance
The boldest move of the current regime has turned out to be the biggest mistake, and if not for the drafting of Brock Purdy with the final pick in 2022—and his subsequent impressive play—this decision could have set the 49ers back many years.
Trading four picks, which included three in the first round, was risky, and Lance provided minimal return on that investment. His ankle injury in 2022, shortly after being named the starter, significantly hindered his progress in the NFL. The dual-threat potential, pocket poise, and big arm were shown in limited flashes, as were the inexperience, inaccuracy, and overall durability. Eight games produced six touchdowns in four starts, which is paltry for a third overall pick.
Lance is still only 25 and currently serves as Justin Herbert's backup with the Los Angeles Chargers. Barring a long-term injury or another general manager bringing Lance in to compete for a starting role, a spot starter/career backup/future journeyman (take your pick) is the reality at present.
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