Niner Noise
FanSided

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

By Timothy L. Miller

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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Ricky Sanders #83, Wide Receiver for the Washington Redskins jumps to make a running catch against Don Griffin #29 and #42 Ronnie Lott of the San Francisco 49ers during the National Football Conference West game against the San Francisco 49ers on 16 September 1990 at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California, United States. The 49ers won the game 26 – 13. (Photo by Otto Greule JrAllsport/Getty Images)
Ricky Sanders #83, Wide Receiver for the Washington Redskins jumps to make a running catch against Don Griffin #29 and #42 Ronnie Lott of the San Francisco 49ers during the National Football Conference West game against the San Francisco 49ers on 16 September 1990 at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California, United States. The 49ers won the game 26 – 13. (Photo by Otto Greule JrAllsport/Getty Images) /

Bill Walsh created one of the most overlooked and underrated championship defenses in NFL history

What may be considered the defining moment in the ascension of the early 1980s Bill Walsh-led 49ers is the construction of an underrated and often overlooked defense.

Between 1979 and 1980, 13 of the 49ers’ 21 draft picks were on the defensive side of the ball. While this yielded some instrumental players, such as linebacker Keena Turner, Walsh was also keen to pick up veterans that played key areas of need.

Lacking a pass rush, Walsh acquired EDGE Fred Dean from the San Diego Chargers. To add toughness, Walsh traded for Jack “Hacksaw” Reynolds to play middle linebacker.

The 1981 NFL Draft of is where the defense got the identity it would have for the next decade. That’s when Walsh drafted Hall of Famer  Ronnie Lott and Pro Bowlers Eric Wright and Carlton Williamson to be his defensive backfield of the future.