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2019 NFL Draft: 5 bold predictions for John Lynch and the 49ers

By Peter Panacy

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: General Manager John Lynch of the San Francisco 49ers looks on from the sidelines during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: General Manager John Lynch of the San Francisco 49ers looks on from the sidelines during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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ORLANDO, FL – DECEMBER 19: Josh Oliver #89 of the San Jose State Spartans makes a reception for a touchdown during the AutoNation Cure Bowl against the Georgia State Panthers at Florida Citrus Bowl on December 19, 2015 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL – DECEMBER 19: Josh Oliver #89 of the San Jose State Spartans makes a reception for a touchdown during the AutoNation Cure Bowl against the Georgia State Panthers at Florida Citrus Bowl on December 19, 2015 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

Prediction No. 4: John Lynch Drafts a Tight End

You won’t see John Lynch and the 49ers use their first pick on a tight end. And it’s unlikely they’ll use their second-round pick on one, either.

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

Getting into Round 3, though? Well, that’s where things could get a bit more interesting.

San Francisco already has one bona fide stud tight end, George Kittle. After that, though, the situation is far less secure. The Niners’ No. 2 tight end, Garrett Celek, had more accepted penalties against him last year (six) than receptions (five). It’s looking as if his “Celek Time” moniker has run its course.

Who’s the 49ers’ No. 3 tight end again?

While it would be great if the Niners could lure in one of Kittle’s former teammates at Iowa, T.J. Hockenson or Noah Fant, it’s likely Lynch will be looking far later in the draft to bolster this position.

A name to watch here is San Jose State’s Josh Oliver, whose local ties may have already been monitored by San Francisco.

But if things get interesting later, look for Lynch to be interested in a hidden-gem prospect in Stetson’s Donald Parham, whose 6-foot-8 frame might be too good to pass up late on day three.

Either way, look for Lynch to add a tight end.