John Lynch defends 49ers’ Kaelon Black pick in third round of 2026 NFL Draft

SANTA CLARA — The 49ers shocked much of the football world with their selection of Kaelon Black at pick No. 90 of the 2026 NFL Draft — but John Lynch was steadfast in his belief.The general manager spoke to local media after the conclusion of the second day of the 2026 NFL Draft and detailed why they chose a running back in Round 3.“I think we talked a lot about staying true to our board and our convictions,” Lynch said. “Kaelon Black, you hear this story a lot as the process went, just kept feeling better and better and better. His film speaks for itself. Really hard-running kid, rocked up kid, had an opportunity to visit with him at the Senior Bowl, and you can’t help but love the kid and everything he stands for.” The 49ers historically have not fared well when drafting running backs in the early rounds of the draft. The team drafted Joe Williams in the fourth round of 2017, Trey Sermon and Ty Davis-Price in the third rounds of 2021 and 2022, and Isaac Guerendo in the fourth round of 2024.Guerendo did not play a single snap on offense in 2025.   Coach Kyle Shanahan has often made quips about selecting a running back...