5 former 49ers Kyle Shanahan would love to have on 2020 roster

No. 4: 49ers Offensive Guard Randy Cross

If Kyle Shanahan’s offense is a direct descendant of the original West Coast offense implemented by the one and only legend, Bill Walsh, Shanahan would want some top-tier offensive linemen who thrived in that kind of system for years.

Few did so as well and for as long as former Niners offensive lineman Randy Cross, who got his shot as a full-time starter in Walsh’s first year in San Francisco, 1979, and rode that development into an excellent career that came to an end with the 49ers after the 1988 season.

Getting those three Niners Super Bowl rings helps establish a winning pedigree, of course, and so does Cross’ high point in his career: the Pro Bowl seasons of 1981, 1982 and 1984.

San Francisco has some question marks at right guard heading into 2020. Currently, it looks as if Daniel Brunskill and Tom Compton will compete for the starting role. And while either player could wind up being a solid addition there, one can surely understand how someone like Cross in his prime would be a massive upgrade.

Let’s go back to the future, Randy.