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San Francisco 49ers: How John Lynch is Already Making Impact

By Alexander Manzo

Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety John Lynch was honored at Halftime end inducted into the Buccaneers Ring of Honor during the halftime of a football game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety John Lynch was honored at Halftime end inducted into the Buccaneers Ring of Honor during the halftime of a football game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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 John Lynch has been named the new general manager for the San Francisco 49ers, and he is already making an impact.

The search for a general manager of the San Francisco 49ers is finally over. Former Fox analyst and NFL safety John Lynch has been given the role with a huge six-year contract. Although he does not have any front office experience, he does have plenty of on-the-field experience. A former safety for 14 seasons, he was a nine-time pro bowler and part of the 2002 Super Bowl-winning Buccaneers, which certainly gives him a high football IQ.

San Francisco 49ers
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Having played a defensive position could be what the San Francisco organization need to balance offensive side, which is new head coach Kyle Shanahan. The 49ers were ranked last in defense in 2016. Being plagued with injuries did not help but being able to find those key players will be useful in rebuilding.

However, the first roster issue is going to be the quarterback position. Whether they draft or search free agency, this will be Lynch first test. Many mock drafts still have Mitch Trubisky as the second pick in the 2017 NFL draft, but the Washington Redskins have yet to put the franchise tag on Kirk Cousins, so he could be in play. This could be one of the first conversation after the Super Bowl with Shanahan.

One hire that Lynch has already made is Adam Peters, picking him to be the vice president of player personnel. Peters has spent the previous eight seasons with the Denver Broncos and before that was, working in New England. Peters knows his way around a scouting report, and how to find players that fit the system that is in place.

Something to really look at with the Peters hiring is that it shows Lynch’s willingness to learn. He is not shy about admitting his lack of knowledge for the position of general manager. Yet he has already started to surround himself with those that do in order to learn and properly lead.

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

Now what exactly does this mean for the 53-man roster? It means that with Super Bowl-experienced minds are going to test each and every player. Although it will be their first season together, they will push everyone to their limits. With no previous links to many of the players, they can evaluate whether they fit in a system that will lead to a more competitive team.

Owner Jed York had talked about changing the culture in San Francisco and, on paper, seems to have begun to do so with these most recent hires. Niner fans can only hope that York can take a backseat to the new members in his organization. Again, with their football IQs and Super Bowl experience, they have proven they know how to build a winning system.

Next: John Lynch Surprising Choice In San Francisco

The 49ers are coming from a terrible 2-14 record therefore, any improvements will a more positive season. Shanahan is reportedly getting a six-year contract as well, so in San Francisco’s willingness to learn from their mistakes, they are going to give it some time.