Comparing 49ers’ rebuild under Bill Walsh to that of Kyle Shanahan, John Lynch

Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers with general manager John Lynch (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers with general manager John Lynch (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA – OCTOBER 14: Center Jonathan Goodwin #59 of the San Francisco 49ers prepares to snap the ball against the New York Giants at the start of the first quarter on October 14, 2012 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. The Giants won 26-3. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – OCTOBER 14: Center Jonathan Goodwin #59 of the San Francisco 49ers prepares to snap the ball against the New York Giants at the start of the first quarter on October 14, 2012 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. The Giants won 26-3. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

John Lynch has acquired the players Kyle Shanahan wants to fit his offensive blocking scheme

Kyle Shanahan runs a zone-blocking scheme that excels when it employs players of a certain type. Agility and quickness are highly sought after.

Aside from Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Staley, Shanahan didn’t have much to work with when he was brought in. John Lynch then got to work on transforming the line into one of the better units in the league. The team traded for left guard Laken Tomlinson who has blossomed into a solid player. Lynch also added the cerebral center required for the scheme,  Weston Richburg, during the 2018 offseason.

Then he spent the 10th overall pick in the 2018 draft on right tackle Mike McGlinchey, who is proving to be a star.

Analysis: The early line built by Bill Walsh proved to be a pillar of the coming championship teams. Integral in the development was the hiring of Bob McKittrick as offensive line coach. He solidified the position group until he retired in 1999.

Shanahan and Lynch have put together a young and exciting group with a bright future and a lot to prove.