Now that we are close to the end of training camp and the cutdown is a week away, all general managers will be watching the final games. They know they will have to release players they like and that other GMs will, too.
They know they will need depth at certain positions, and a good player on another team may be released because of salary or depth, and there might be a good player, even a potential starter, available. For instance, for the 49ers, wide receiver Christian Kirk or Demarcus Robinson might be released.
Every GM signs players to be quality backups. The best teams have good depth, and last year, that was obvious in San Francisco.
But when it comes to the entire process of roster building, one thing is clear: at some point, when acquiring a player whom you hope to start, it has to be someone whom you expect to start—and play well.
This is where the 49ers have sometimes faltered. Historically, their approach has been uneven, and you can see that on the current roster.
Now, when I say "expect to play well," it does not necessarily mean it turned out that way; rather, it refers to the belief when the player was acquired. Therefore, Solomon Thomas and Nick Bosa are in the same category.
Of those drafted, I am looking at those whom Lynch selected in the first or second round. Of those traded for or signed during free agency, I am identifying players who were entrenched starters at their previous teams, not players who started a few games over their first several years in the league.
General manager John Lynch has done this in every area of the team but one: offensive line.
At every other position there was an investment. (You might notice that tight end is not included here, and that is because Lynch found his Harry Winston in the rough, George Kittle, in his first draft.)
Here is what he has done at each position group.
Wide receiver
Of the myriad wide receivers brought to San Francisco via the draft, two were 1st-round picks (Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall) and three were 2nd-rounders (Deebo Samuel, Dante Petis, De'Zhaun Stribling). In free agency, one is a future Hall of Famer (Mike Evans), and one is a former 2nd-round pick (Christian Kirk).
It is not surprising that a number of these made the Pro Bowl and were All-Pros.
Running back
Lynch traded for Christian McCaffrey and signed Kyle Juszczyk. Both have been All-Pros.
Quarterback
Lynch traded for Jimmy Garoppolo and drafted Trey Lance.
Defensive line
Even though he inherited DeForest Buckner and Arik Armstrong, Lynch drafted Solomon Thomas, Nick Bosa, Javon Kinlaw, Drake Jackson, Mykel Williams, and Alfred Collins.
He signed Javon Hargrave and Jordan Elliott and traded for Osa Odighizuwa.
Linebacker
Lynch drafted Reuben Foster and signed Kwon Alexander.
Defensive backfield
Lynch signed Charvarius Ward, Richard Sherman, K'Waun Williams, and Jason Verrett. He drafted Renardo Green.
For the offensive line, however, it has been a different story for a long time. In his first year, he inherited Joe Staley but immediately signed Laken Tomlinson to be the left guard. The following year, 2018, he drafted Mike McGlinchey in the first round. Since then, almost nothing.
In his 10 years of player acquisition, Lynch has brought in 34 offensive linemen. Only two of those were taken in the first two rounds of the draft. He traded for Trent Williams and Laken Tomlinson. (I am not counting Alex Mack because he was 36 when the Niners signed him, and they knew it would be for a year.)
General managers and head coaches love to say every player will "compete" for the job. This is frequently just lip service, sometimes comically so. (I will always remember 49ers head coach Mike Nolan saying Patrick Willis would have to "earn" his way to starting, and, as if to prove it, had Willis work with the second team for the first few days of training camp.)
But when Lynch says it about the offensive line, he is generally telling the truth. Even draftees Justin Skule and Nick Zakelj, free agents Tom Compton, Daniel Brunskill, Jessie Davis, and now Robert Jones are expected to compete for a starting spot.
That is why I have concerns about this season. There is no doubt the Niners have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL. There are dominant veterans (Mike Evans, George Kittle, Fred Warner, among others) and promising young guns (Upton Stout and De'Zhaun Stribling, for instance).
But on the offensive line, aside from All-World left tackle Trent Williams, how many teams would the other four starters start for?
On a great offensive line, the answer should be for at least 20. The reality in San Fran is that the starters would be the backups for the majority. That is why, when Lynch signs journeymen offensive linemen in free agency, hoping they will start, they play like the backups they have always been and go back to being journeymen when they leave.
The Niners have made it to two Super Bowls with subpar offensive lines but couldn't get over the hump. It's possible they could finally do it this year.
I'm crossing my fingers that the stars will make it happen.
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