The legend that is John Lynch addresses his strategy for the 2024 first Round Draft Pick
In the past, the 49ers have never had a first round draft pick; that is all about to change in the 2024 draft pick.
The legendary Hall of Famer, John Lynch, now the general manager of the San Fransico 49ers, has a plan to make an undefeated team now that the 49ers have first round pick.
A 49ers team reporter, Lindsey Pallares, asked Lynch, “How does having a first-round draft selection change the 49ers approach to evaluating talent during the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine and leading up the draft?” in which Lynch responded with, “It really doesn’t. It gives you a little more to do on Day 1”
When you consider Lynch’s statement, he’s correct. There has to be a lot of phone calls in place, information being conveyed, exam results being passed around, and so many more factors that only make having the first round draft selection a little more hectic. While there is a downside, there is a major upside. Having first-round draft selection allows the 49ers to obtain the player they desire before any other team has a chance to select that player first.
As the first week of free agency approaches an end, the 2024 NFL draft has been changed. According to Gridiron Heroic writer, Joe Hadawi, this is the first round prediction based on how free agency has unfolded for the 49ers selection.
The 49ers will be looking for an upgrade for their interior offensive line. To achieve this the 49ers will select Zach Frazier from West Virginia.
Frazier has the ability to play multiple positions due to his versatility on the offensive line. Hadawi also included that Frazier performs better at center.
John Lynch had been asked by reporters if his draft strategy is to choose the best player available or drafting to choose for specific positions. Lynch responded with, “..I think if anything, we’ve shown that it doesn’t quite matter where in that process you become part of our team. You’re going to have an opportunity, and if you can help us, you’ll be apart of us…so that’s what we’ve found to be successful”
The 49ers observe characteristics on and off the field. For example, Lynch, coaches, and all those involved in the drafting process were “blown away” by Ji’Ayir Brown’s meeting and tape.
The 49ers will always go for the players they target no matter the perception of their value from others or the outside.
The San Francisco 49ers are set to make 10 picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. With having first-round draft pick, general manager Lynch and his scouts must be ready and prepared. That being said, here are the top 10 picks the 49ers are expected to have:
Round 1, No. 31, Round 2, No. 63, Round 3, No. 94, Round 4, No. 123 (via Dallas Cowboys), Round 4, No. 130, Round 4, No. 133 (compensatory), Round 5, No. 176 (compensatory), Round 6, No. 211 (compensatory), Round 6, No. 215 (compensatory), Round 7, No. 251.
Usually the 49ers secure their picks later on in the draft. Over the past few seasons they have struck gold with names like Fred Warner, Brock Purdy, and George Kittle, who were third-round pick, fifth-round pick, and seventh-round pick, respectively.
In 2024, the 49ers are set to pick at No. 31 which is one of 11 picks they currently own. There is a total of 4 compensatory picks to fill-in the departures of Jimmy Garoppolo, Samson Ebukam, Jimmie Ward, and Azzez Al-Shaair.
Lynch has shared many thoughts on his feelings towards having first-round draft pick. But recently he stated, “We-ve got a first-round pick for the first time in a long while, that’s nice but we really try to focus on making them all count”. This is exactly why 49ers fans acknowledge John Lynch as the legend he is and put their faith in him to choose the right players to make a successful team in hopes of making it to the Super Bowl each season.
As Gridiron Heroics’ own writer, Matt Lombardo, stated, “The rich get richer” when referring to Lynch securing Leonard Floyd. Securing Leonard Floyd while also having first-round draft pick makes for a powerful foundation and hopeful season.