SANTA CLARA CA — Since their arrival back in 2017, San Francisco 49ersGeneral manager John Lynch, and Kyle Shanahan, the coach, have never been shy about making in draft trades. Up to this year.
The Niners had nine picks and no room for rookies so they decided to move up and package some of the late-round options. Lynch spoke out about such a scenario at his pre-draft news conference. The draft was over, but the Niners had not made any trades since Shanahan or Lynch arrived.
San Francisco instead selected nine players, with the hope that some of them would be selected for the practice squad in September. But they also wanted to create more training camp battles.
Lynch stated, “We love competition.” Lynch said, “We love our roster. We love it. We think it's well-constructed and now we’ve got to go put it together. This is, there's teams that I think can compete for the thing, we think we're one of those, and now you’ve got to put the work in, have a tremendous offseason, come together as a team.”
After they have made their move Trey LanceThis was supposed to be a quiet offseason last year. However, the Niners have found themselves at the center of drama with receivers. Deebo SamuelAnd the quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Although the bulk of offseason roster construction is complete, there's still much to do.
What they did
Even though they lost key starters like defensive tackle D.J. JonesGuard Laken TomlinsonThe Niners spent a lot of money to buy cornerbacks. Charvarius WardThis is a move that focuses on positional values. Ward is the Niners' No. 1 player. Ward is expected to be in the corner as soon as possible and will help improve one of their biggest weaknesses from last season.
Ward was the Niners biggest free-agent bite, but they also signed a lot of players that will improve their special teams and add depth. After finishing 26th in special-teams DVOA in 2021 the Niners became a priority. The 49ers made investments in linebacker to achieve this goal. Oren BurksSafety George OdumAnd the returner Ray-Ray McCloud.
The Niners signed key contributors like the linebacker Azeez Al-ShaairOffensive lineman Daniel BrunskillThe receiver Jauan JenningsAdditional ends Kemoko TurayAnd Kerry Hyder Jr. From the outside.
The Niners didn’t feel they had significant needs in the draft. That allowed them to draft all the top players on their roster regardless of position. This approach led to early picks by USC's defensive end. Drake JacksonLSU running back Tyrion Davis-PriceSMU receiver Danny Gray. The 49ers also added some interesting undrafted free agents like Arizona State center Dohnovan West, North Carolina linebacker Jeremiah GemmelUCLA cornerback Qwuantrezz Knight and Texas A&M safety Leon O'Neal.
All these moves should make the Niners a stronger team and better equipped to deal with serious injuries.
Looming questions
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Jeremy Fowler talks about Baker Mayfield's trade plan and Deebo's decision to trade, despite the fact that they made little progress in the NFL draft.
The 49ers offseason was more about what they didn't do than what they did. After falling to the Los Angeles RamsThe expectation was that Garoppolo would trade quickly in the NFC Championship Game. This was before Garoppolo knew he needed right shoulder surgery. It wiped out his trade value, and left his future in doubt.
Garoppolo's injury to his shoulder is expected to be resolved in June or July. At that point, the Niners will seek a new trade partner. Even though Garoppolo has been repeatedly denied by the Niners, it is difficult to envision a scenario where he would be on the roster in Week 1 at his $26.95 million cap.
The Garoppolo situation pales in comparison to Samuel's unanticipated issues in mid-April, when he requested a trade. After nothing but positive reports from Lynch, Shanahan regarding the direction of a lucrative extension to his contract, that was done. Samuel and Samuel are the only people who can identify his grievances. The Niners are cautiously optimistic that they will be able to mend the relationship and keep Samuel around over the long term. A contract extension for end Nick BosaThis could be a possibility, although it is not as urgent as Bosa being under contract for another two seasons.
Samuel and Garoppolo are so important that it has been hard to ignore other questions. Although the Niners have most of their starting positions covered, it is fair to wonder who will be playing center and strong safety.
Veteran center Alex MackLynch hasn't made a decision on whether Mack will be returning or retiring, and Lynch's tone in talking about Mack has fluctuated between the two. However, the Niners didn’t draft a center. Jake BrendelShanahan is contracted to have the experience. JC TretterMack could make it a career by being a free agent.
At strong safety, incumbent Jaquiski TarttAlthough no agreement has been reached, it is clear that there is no chance of a reunion. This leaves Odum as part of the group. Talanoa HufangaAnd Tarvarius MooreYou will have to fight for the job.
Shanahan stated, “We had to plan and know that we can't count it on, but will need to have a centre, love to have safety.” “But we do our best with the picks we make, and I love those guys that we have added.”
