49ers First-Round Draft Picks Under John Lynch (2017–2025): Hits, Misses & Why 2026 Is Critical
By Niners Faithful Staff | Independent 49ers Coverage
How John Lynch has fared in the first round from 2017–2025, where he’s hit, missed, and why the 2026 draft is critical.
Since John Lynch took over as general manager in 2017, the San Francisco 49ers have built one of the NFL’s most complete rosters — but not without turbulence in the first round of the NFL Draft.
As the team enters 2026 with a clearly defined two-year Super Bowl window built around Christian McCaffrey, every premium draft decision now carries amplified stakes.
Let’s break down how Lynch has fared in the first round, where he’s succeeded, where he’s missed, and why the 2026 draft may define this era of 49ers football.
📊 49ers First-Round Picks Under John Lynch (2017–2025)
| Year | Pick | Player | Position | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 3 | Solomon Thomas | DL | ❌ Miss |
| 2017 | 31 | Reuben Foster | LB | ❌ Miss |
| 2018 | 9 | Mike McGlinchey | OT | ⚠️ Mixed |
| 2019 | 2 | Nick Bosa | EDGE | ✅ Franchise Hit |
| 2020 | 14 | Javon Kinlaw | DT | ❌ Miss |
| 2021 | 3 | Trey Lance | QB | ❌ Franchise-Altering Miss |
| 2022 | — | No First-Round Pick | — | CMC Trade Impact |
| 2023 | — | No First-Round Pick | — | Lance Fallout |
| 2024 | 31 | Ricky Pearsall | WR | 🟡 In Progress |
| 2025 | 11 | Mykel Williams | EDGE | 🟡 In Progress |
📌 Final Verdict
John Lynch’s first-round history is uneven — saved by elite hits and rescued by later-round brilliance. But the margin that once allowed mistakes is gone.
With Brock Purdy entrenched and Christian McCaffrey still elite, 2026 is not about upside — it’s about certainty.
If Lynch nails the 2026 first round, the 49ers can chase ring No. 6. If he misses, this window may quietly close.
Faithful: Do you trust Lynch to get it right when it matters most? 🟥🟨
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