49ers preview: Kyle Shanahan, John Lynch take on big rebuild
Training camps are still in the distance, but USA TODAY Sports is providing five things you need to know about every team in the NFL to catch you up on the offseason. Today, the San Francisco 49ers ...
1. The rebuild begins
The 49ers have a new head coach for the third time in three years. This time it’s Kyle Shanahan, who follows Chip Kelly and Jim Tomsula. But there is optimism that the change could stick this time. The 49ers signed Shanahan and new general manager John Lynch to matching six-year contracts, a sign that the organization is willing to invest the time to turn the team around. The roster changes this offseason have been significant, especially at quarterback, wide receiver and running back.
2. Hoyer looks to be a bridge quarterback
The 49ers overhauled their quarterback depth chart, signing journeymen Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley, both most recently with the Chicago Bears, and drafting Iowa’s C.J. Beathard in the third round. There was plenty of speculation that the 49ers might use their No. 2 pick on a passer. When they didn’t, it cleared the way for Hoyer to be the starter this year, giving Beathard, who received high praise about his potential from Shanahan after the draft, at least a year to develop. The 49ers could also jump in the quarterback market next year. For now, Hoyer, who played for Shanahan on the Cleveland Browns in 2014, will help speed up the learning process for the rest of the offense, even if he’s not a long-term answer.
3. Lynch is in rare territory as first-year GM
Lynch’s hiring came as a surprise because the Niners kept their interest in him so quiet. The list of great players who went on to succeed in a front-office role is short, but Lynch might have a good path to success. He most recently worked as a broadcaster for Fox, which meant he spent hours watching tape and live games and meeting with coaches and players from across the league. He also has been mentored by Denver Broncos general manager John Elway, who along with the Baltimore Ravens’ Ozzie Newsome, has set the standard for players going into personnel duties.
4. Rookie defensive duo could make a big impact
Lynch garnered plenty of praise after his first draft for the maneuvering he did to snag two of the top three players on the Niners’ board: defensive end Solomon Thomas at No. 3 and linebacker Reuben Foster at No. 31. Thomas should start immediately, and the Niners hope he can be an impact player along the line. Foster is recovering from shoulder surgery, so his timetable to contribute could be longer, but the Niners hope this draft set them up with two long-term defensive stars.
5. Bowman is back
With all of the roster turnover, it’s easy to forget that NaVorro Bowman remains with the 49ers. The longtime on-field leader — one of a handful of players remaining from the great San Francisco defenses of earlier this decade — is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon but expects to be ready for the regular season. This is the second major injury rehabilitation for Bowman after his gruesome knee injury in the 2013 postseason. Who knows how much Bowman, 28, has left after those injuries, but the Niners could use his leadership.
Follow Lindsay H. Jones on Twitter @bylindsayhjones.
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