Did 49ers GM Lynch drop subtle clue on NFL Draft plan with help from AI?
SANTA CLARA — Artificial intelligence is helping finalize the 49ers’ strategy for this week’s NFL Draft, one that’s presumably rich with defensive ends, offensive linemen and wide receivers.
"If you aren't using it, you're already behind," general manager John Lynch said Monday. "The cool thing is you don't need to be an expert. It's like you at home making a travel itinerary; it can spit out pretty good ideas.
"We're fortunate to be where we are, kind of at the epicenter of that innovation," Lynch said of computer-generated analysis. "Every team is probably using it in some form or fashion. That will only increase as we move forward."
The 49ers enter the draft with only six picks, so they're studying all variables that might come into play, including the logical option of trading away their first-round pick (No. 27 overall) for multiple lower picks.
"We'll do a lot of those simulations," Lynch said. "It's pretty awesome now, you sit there on a computer, let the thing run, and, boom, alright, who's left, what are we going to do. We'll be ready."
Lynch projects a top-heavy first round will create a lot of movement among teams up and down the draft board.
Which way might the 49ers go Thursday? Well, going down seems logical, and not just because they’re starting their season “Down Under” in Melbourne, Australia against the Rams on Sept. 10.
"We don't have a ton of picks in this draft. It does make sense, ‘How can we find some more picks?' We'll be open to that," Lynch said.
Both he and coach Kyle Shanahan are entering their 10th year together, which has given them ample evidence to study what has worked and what hasn't in the draft.
"It's got us in a good mindset to let this thing come to us," Lynch added. "There's no other choice unless you're going to move up and go from six picks to a lot less, (so) sit back and let it happen."
The 49ers currently hold just six draft picks, in Round 1 (No. 27 overall), Round 2 (No. 58), and Round 4 (Nos. 127, 133, 138, 139).
They traded away their other original picks (third round to Dallas for defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa; fifth round to Philadelphia for defensive end Bryce Huff; sixth round to Washington for running back Brian Robinson; and, seventh round to Houston for defensive tackle Khalil Davis); Odighizuwa is the only one of that quartet on the roster, having arrived last month.
"We're at a really good place and will continue to do things with coaches, scouts and our R&D department that have us ready for any scenario," Lynch added.
OFFSEASON PROGRAM
Lynch said “darn near” the whole roster showed Monday for the start of the offseason program, which is voluntary for the next six weeks before the mandatory minicamp in early June.
Tight end George Kittle (Achilles) and linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) are among those present, and Warner noted he’ll have no limitations in his comeback. Lynch indicated that no players have had setbacks in their rehabilitation from last season’s injuries and surgeries.
AIYUK TRADE TALKS
Lynch confirmed he has had discussions with teams interested in trading for outcast wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
“Do I think it's a high probability? Likely no. But is there a chance? Yes, there's a chance,” Lynch said. “I was candid with you guys in saying he's likely played his last snap for us. We all are in concert on where we're going with Brandon.”
At last month’s league meeting, 49ers owner Jed York stated he’d like to see Aiyuk suit up again for the 49ers, considering the 2024 extension they’ve paid him. The draft may be the final opportunity to unload Aiyuk for a draft pick or another player.
“We'll see it through here,” Lynch added. “Our focus is on our draft. If something happens, great; if not, we'll reevaluate it. He's still a member of the roster now and we'll treat him as such.”
DEFENSIVE END PURSUIT
Lynch did not dismiss the 49ers’ need to improve a pass rush that produced a league-low 20 sacks, albeit a unit that lost Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams to knee injuries.
“We need to get better, need to get guys back healthy and we need to improve there,” said Lynch, who did praise the last season’s acquisition of defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa and the expected return of Keion White for a full season.
FIRST-ROUND TALENT
Lynch said the 49ers have assigned first-round grades to fewer than 20 prospects, which is down from last year. He noted that the NFL has to compete more with the college ranks where players are lured to remain by Name, Image and Likeness money, as well as revenue-sharing payments now available to athletic departments.
“Can't blame these kids. There's ample opportunity to go back … It’s something we have to look at as a league how we address that,” Lynch added. “Now it's almost as if we're in competition. You're seeing a lot more 25-year-old rookies. COVID had something to do with it, but (NIL) also is an opportunity for guys to stay and make good money doing it.”
MORRIS’ ADDITION
New defensive coordinator Raheem Morris’ influence in the draft process includes an upbeat attitude.
“He's a bundle of energy. He's curious. He's insightful,” Lynch said. “We always talk about guys who drain a room or give life to a room; he gives life and he's funny. ‘If we draft this guy, I'm throwing a pool party.' We're hoping to throw a lot of pool parties. … It's nice to breathe new ideas and we've done that with Raheem.”
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This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 2:04 PM.