The San Francisco 49ers have experienced their fair share of ups and downs in recent years, but despite some notable missteps, the team finds themselves in an enviable position heading into the Super Bowl. While their decision to trade away three first-round picks for quarterback Trey Lance in 2021 backfired, the Niners have managed to overcome that setback through a combination of astute draft picks, trades for top talent, and a stroke of luck.
After the disappointing outcome with Lance, the 49ers struck gold in the following year's draft when they selected quarterback Brock Purdy with the last pick. Purdy, who took over as the starter due to injuries, had a remarkable season, leading the NFL in passer rating and yards per attempt. His performance earned him a spot as an MVP finalist, all while carrying a salary of just $870,000. This find has allowed San Francisco to allocate more resources to other positions on the field.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch deserve credit for their excellent work in building a formidable roster since taking over in 2017. Their journey didn't start smoothly, as Shanahan famously described the team's roster as one of the worst he had ever seen. However, through a series of well-executed draft picks and trades, they managed to transform the team's fortunes.
The 49ers have excelled in the draft, selecting players who have gone on to become first-team All-Pros, including George Kittle, Fred Warner, Nick Bosa, Deebo Samuel, and the injured Talanoa Hufanga. What's impressive is that four of these picks were made after the first round, proving the team's ability to find talent in later rounds.
In trades, the Niners made key acquisitions that significantly impacted their offense. They acquired All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams from Washington in a 2020 draft-day trade, strengthening their offensive line and providing ample protection for their quarterbacks. Additionally, they traded multiple picks to acquire running back Christian McCaffrey, a move initially met with hesitation from Shanahan but one that has paid off immensely.
Offensively, the 49ers have invested in their key players, offering big-money extensions to Williams, Samuel, and likely Brandon Aiyuk in the upcoming offseason. The team has also allocated significant resources to McCaffrey and boasts the highest-paid fullback in the league in All-Pro Kyle Juszczyk. While they've had to make cost-conscious decisions elsewhere, such as on the offensive line, the team has managed to find success with players like Aaron Banks and Colton McKivitz.
Defensively, the 49ers have prioritized building a strong defensive line, using early draft picks on players like Bosa and Arik Armstead. Bosa, in particular, has been a force, winning Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 and setting a franchise record with 10 sacks in the postseason. The team also made significant investments in the position by extending Armstead's contract and signing Javon Hargrave to a lucrative deal.
Linebackers Fred Warner, a standout in the league, and Dre Greenlaw, a fifth-round steal, have been instrumental in the team's defensive success. While the secondary hasn't received as much investment, the signing of cornerback Charvarius Ward has proven to be an impactful move, with Ward being recognized as a second-team All-Pro this season.
Special teams have seen some changes as well. The 49ers chose to move on from kicker Robbie Gould, opting to draft Jake Moody in the third round. Moody's early performances were shaky, but he has shown improvement in recent games. Punter Mitch Wishnowsky, drafted in the fourth round in 2019, has been consistent in pinning opponents deep in their own territory.
It's clear that despite their costly error with Trey Lance in the draft, the 49ers have been able to overcome it through a combination of shrewd decision-making, wise investments, and a bit of luck. The team's success can be attributed to the efforts of Shanahan and Lynch, who have transformed the roster from one of the worst in the league to Super Bowl contenders. As the team heads into the championship game, the lessons learned from their drafting misstep serve as a reminder that success in the NFL requires a balance of strategy, patience, and a little bit of fortune.
