49ers GM John Lynch Drops Latest Hint On QB Intentions
By Erik Lambert
There has been a status quo this offseason that the 2017 NFL draft class is “weaker” than normal. Just don’t say that to John Lynch.
The new San Francisco 49ers GM was a surprise hire earlier this year. People aren’t sure what the former All-Pro safety who became a top play-by-play analyst can do with such a massive new responsibility. Playing great and managing great are two very different things. Sure enough he’s faced with a momentous decision right off the bat. What does he do for his team at the quarterback position?
At present they appear settled with veterans Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley. While naturally not long-term solutions, it raises questions about whether the 49ers will go after a quarterback early in the draft. However, Lynch has continued to offer plenty of signs that he has no fear of taking that leap. Just look at his latest comments on the matter via NFL.com.
"“As I started to study these guys, I thought they were getting a bad rap,” Lynch told NFL Network’s Steve Wyche on Monday. “They each have reasons why maybe people think they shouldn’t go (No.) 2. In Trubisky’s case, he’s only started 13 games, but you turn on the tape with each of them, and they have redeeming qualities that make you say, ‘Wow, this guy would be a part of it,’ so we’re evaluating them and we’ll continue to do so.”"
It could be misdirection, but then again this is a man who has entertained the idea of executing a blockbuster trade for Kirk Cousins. Clearly he doesn’t fear the big decisions when it comes to the most important position in the sport. He’s already shown significant interest in DeShone Kizer out of Notre Dame, lauding his interview at the combine and then personally attending the Notre Dame pro day.
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It could be a smokescreen but then again Shanahan is an offensive coach. There is every reason to think he would love to take advantage of the opportunity to get his QB of choice at #2 overall. Everybody knows Cleveland will be taking Myles Garrett at #1. Shanahan is one of the best offensive coaches in football. Why wouldn’t he have the ego to think he can take a quarterback and develop him properly?
That’s something Lynch knows more than anybody else around the league. It’s why the 49ers cannot and should not be dismissed from taking one that high.