Taking a look at the short and long term plans of the 49ers

What is the “State of the San Francisco 49ers?” Well, we are starting off year three of the Kyle Shanahan-John Lynch regime with mountains of optimism and speculation buzzing. We’ve all heard—and even said—the old cliché, “third times a charm.” Let’s see if it holds true in the Bay Area.

Third times a charm

With it being the third time in the draft room for the staff, there must be lessons learned from past experiences and experiments. Going big and going home with a few previous first round picks has proven to be a bit more packing it up and going home as opposed to getting big returns. The likes of Solomon Thomas and Reuben Foster in 2017 didn’t show any signs of selective quality. The risks, while different, were obvious with both players before the draft. Especially considering one was a move up pick that cost more than his worth at the time and is no longer on the team.

Then we have 2018 first rounder Mike McGlinchey who has proven to be a quality selection and filled an immediate need. The second and third round selections will shine a more positive light on the decision-making team. All in all, it seems the front office makes more hay after the first round when it comes to longevity and availability.

Don’t believe the hype?

Drafting number two overall, you may find it hard to believe that you can mess this up. The 49ers struggled to get to the quarterback last year. On defense, you need someone who can get there alone and in a hurry. Deforest Buckner can. Dee Ford did in 2018. You know what’s better than two pass rushers? Three pass rushers. Nick Bosa has been proclaimed the best overall player in the draft by almost every figure in football with a platform. But does that mean he’s what every team will need? The kid has incredible playmaking abilities and genetics, while his concerns are minor on most scales.

For a team with a history of going 50/50 in the first round, does it sound absurd to trade away the “Bosa pick” for another top tier edge rusher and more second rounders? There are plenty of franchises that would sell the farm for an impact surefire like Bosa, but is that the leverage you can use to gain more than one need in the top 40 picks? That’s a big decision John Lynch and company will have to make.

Long-term plan

If last season was a push for the decision-making brass—due to the mass amounts of injuries and unavailable bodies—this must be a season to show signs of growth and heading in the right direction. Injuries happen to all 32 teams. The Niners won’t be able to hang their hat on another sub-par performance from draft picks and personnel that is important to the long-term success of the franchise. Is this the year of showing growth and ending the season in the middle of the pack? If so, we can expect to be having this same thought process next year with a 12th overall pick and it being more pressure to get it right in the first round. If everyone performs like they’re capable of, the team could be picking in the high teens, or even low 20’s. We’ll find out pretty early in the season how good the 49ers will be.