Sure, Lynch and company have made some blunders along the way. There were much better options than selecting defensive lineman Solomon Thomas or linebacker Reuben Foster in the first round of their first draft in 2017. But that same draft also saw San Francisco adding All-Pro tight end George Kittle in the fifth round.
By the way, Kittle and defensive tackle D.J. Jones are the only ones from that initial 10-player 49ers draft class remaining on the roster. Thomas, cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, and quarterback C.J. Beathard recently left in free agency.
"The 2018 class included tackle Mike McGlinchey and linebacker Fred Warner, while 2019 picks Nick Bosa and Deebo Samuel helped the team get to a Super Bowl," wrote Rosenthal. "Brandon Aiyuk, a 2020 first-rounder, looks like another foundational piece. Since the 2017 misfires, the 49ers have mostly made their premium picks count."
Lynch is the highest-ranked NFC West general manager. The Seattle Seahawks' combination of Pete Carroll and John Schneider came in at No. 12. Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead came in at No. 15. Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim came in at No. 19.
Lynch and the 49ers head into the upcoming draft with the hopes of acquiring a quarterback of the future and maintaining a competitive roster. In March, the team traded up nine spots from No. 12 into the top three and will likely choose between Justin Fields, Trey Lance, and Mac Jones.
While injuries plagued Lynch's roster in 2020, resulting in a disappointing six-win campaign, the 49ers hope for better luck on the health front in 2021.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' struggles continue: Week 13 power rankings analysis
The San Francisco 49ers are facing an uphill battle in their quest to earn a playoff spot after suffering their second consecutive loss, this time in a lopsided 38-10 defeat at the hands of the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The team was without starting quarterback Brock... -
John Lynch shares latest news on 49ers QB Brock Purdy, status is 'tenuous'
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch appeared on Bay Area radio station KNBR on Friday morning to share the latest on quarterback Brock Purdy's injury. Purdy sustained a shoulder injury during Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks, significantly limiting his... -
49ers-Packers injury news: John Lynch provides Trent Williams and Nick Bosa updates
While the status of quarterback Brock Purdy has dominated headlines, injuries to tackle Trent Williams and defensive end Nick Bosa remain crucial storylines as the San Francisco 49ers prepare for their Week 12 matchup against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. On Friday... -
John Lynch: 49ers thrilled about Dre Greenlaw's return
The San Francisco 49ers plan to open linebacker Dre Greenlaw's practice window this week, paving the way for his highly anticipated return to the field. Greenlaw is slated to join his teammates at practice on Wednesday, providing a significant boost to the defense, even if his...