Casserly's list aired on NFL Network, and the 49ers portion kicked off with video of general manager John Lynch smiling during a team practice.
"John Lynch, I'd be smiling too if Mike McGlinchey was my first-round pick, the best tackle in the draft," Casserly said. "Richard Sherman, he was playing at a top level when he got hurt last year. Jerick McKinnon will shine with Kyle Shanahan calling the plays."
Other than McGlinchey, Sherman, and McKinnon, all of whom Casserly mentioned, the 49ers made a number of other moves to improve the roster this offseason. The team made Jimmy Garoppolo its franchise quarterback by signing him to a five-year deal worth up to $137.5 million, which was the largest NFL contract at the time. San Francisco signed center Weston Richburg along with McKinnon at the start of free agency in March. And all of this was before the team's nine draft selections in April.
McKinnon, who replaces three-year starter Carlos Hyde, is expected to be paired with running back Matt Breida. Hyde signed with the Cleveland Browns as a free agent. Other departed starters include safety Eric Reid, cornerback Donate Johnson, and center Daniel Kilgore. The 49ers have a lot of faith in their younger safeties and Sherman, if healthy, is an upgrade over Johnson. San Francisco traded Kilgore to the Miami Dolphins following the signing of Richburg.
The four other teams on Casserly's list were the Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and New York Jets.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers mailbag: What's up with Jordan Elliott's knee? Can SF stop Jonathan Taylor? What's on the 49ers' list for Santa?
The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for the final push toward the 2025 postseason. How far they will be able to go will depend on their health and how many young players perform. Especially since some are reserves who are playing for injured players. We opened the 49ers... -
49ers QB Brock Purdy surprises O-line with custom Rolex watches for Christmas
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is putting his new contract to good use. After signing a five-year, $265 million NFL contract extension this offseason, Purdy once again treated the teammates who protect him in the trenches—his offensive line. Last year, Purdy... -
Key stats from the 49ers' 48-27 Week 16 win vs. the Colts
The San Francisco 49ers improved to 11-4 on the season after a 48-27 Week 16 win over the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Below are several statistics and notes from Monday's game, which were provided by the 49ers Communications staff. With... -
49ers' Trent Williams on NFL future: 'I'm nowhere near done'
San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams is not contemplating retirement anytime soon. Despite being 37 years old, Williams continues to perform at an elite level and believes he still has plenty of football left in him. Williams has earned a Pro Football Focus grade...