How the 49ers Draft and Develop Hidden Gems for Long-Term Success

Draft and Develop: The 49ers’ Formula for Success

Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) hands off to San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) as they warm up before playing the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

The San Francisco 49ers are not just another NFL team in contention for a Super Bowl title; they are a model of sustained success, built on the foundation of drafting and developing talent. While many teams in the league rely heavily on free agency and trades to assemble a competitive roster, the 49ers have taken a different approach. By focusing on homegrown talent and nurturing it into stardom, they have positioned themselves for long-term dominance.

Draft and Develop: The 49ers’ Formula for Success

The 49ers' strategy revolves around drafting players who fit their system and then developing them into key contributors. This approach has paid off in spades, as most of the team’s core players are products of the 49ers’ drafting process.

Take Fred Warner, for example. A third-round pick in 2018, Warner has blossomed into one of the premier linebackers in the NFL. His leadership and versatility make him the heartbeat of the 49ers’ defense. The team didn’t have to look outside the organization for a player of Warner’s caliber; they identified his potential and cultivated it from within.

Then there's George Kittle, a fifth-round pick in 2017 who has developed into arguably the best tight end in the league. Kittle’s combination of blocking, receiving, and tenacity sets him apart, and like Warner, he is a testament to the 49ers’ ability to turn mid-round picks into superstars.

Deebo Samuel, drafted in the second round in 2019, is another example of the 49ers' success in player development. Samuel’s versatility as a wide receiver and a running back has made him an invaluable weapon in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. His physical style of play and ability to make plays after the catch make him a unique talent, one that the 49ers saw and developed from his rookie year onward.

The Value of Continuity: Why Homegrown Talent Matters

What makes the 49ers’ approach so effective is the continuity it provides. When players are drafted and developed together, they form bonds that extend beyond the field. They learn the system together, grow together, and most importantly, they win together. This kind of cohesion is something that cannot be replicated by a team built primarily through free agency.

Contrast this with teams like the Los Angeles Rams, who have aggressively pursued high-profile free agents and trades to build their roster. While this strategy brought them a Super Bowl title, it is not sustainable in the long run. The Rams have had to make tough decisions due to salary cap constraints, leading to a less cohesive roster. When things go wrong, as they have this season, the lack of a strong, homegrown foundation can lead to finger-pointing and dysfunction.

The 49ers, on the other hand, have a core of players who have been through the ups and downs together. This shared experience fosters a strong locker room culture, one that is crucial for weathering the inevitable challenges of an NFL season.

Strategic Additions: The Right Free Agents at the Right Time

While the 49ers’ success is largely built on their draft picks, they have also been strategic in adding key pieces through free agency and trades. However, unlike teams that build their rosters primarily through these means, the 49ers have been selective, targeting players who complement their existing core.

Trent Williams, for instance, was acquired in a trade, but he was brought in to fill a specific need on the offensive line, not to be the centerpiece of the team. Christian McCaffrey, another trade acquisition, was added to an already potent offense to provide versatility and playmaking ability.

The 49ers’ front office has also shown a keen eye for undervalued free agents. Charvarius Ward, signed in 2022, has been a standout at cornerback, solidifying the secondary. These additions have strengthened the team without disrupting the continuity of their homegrown core.

Their success doesn’t stop at the draft board. During the Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch era, the 49ers have consistently found hidden gems in the ranks of undrafted free agents, further solidifying their depth and long-term competitiveness.

Hitting on Undrafted Free Agents: The 49ers’ Secret Sauce

One of the often-overlooked aspects of team-building is finding undrafted talent that can develop into key contributors. The 49ers have done this exceptionally well, discovering players who not only fill out the roster but play important roles in key moments. This ability to identify and nurture undrafted talent has been a hallmark of the Shanahan-Lynch regime, and it’s one of the reasons why the 49ers’ Super Bowl window remains wide open.

Jordan Mason: A Rising Star in the Backfield

One of the most recent success stories is running back Jordan Mason, who went undrafted in 2022. Initially overlooked by every NFL team, Mason made the 49ers’ roster as a special teams contributor but quickly earned a larger role in the offense. Known for his downhill running style and physicality, Mason averaged an impressive 6.0 yards per carry in his rookie season (2022), primarily in relief of Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell.

Mason’s emergence as a reliable ball carrier gives the 49ers valuable depth in their backfield, a position that has been crucial to Kyle Shanahan’s run-heavy offensive scheme. His ability to step in when needed without a drop-off in production is a testament to the 49ers’ knack for finding talent where other teams may overlook it.

Jauan Jennings: Third-Down Machine

Although not technically undrafted, Jauan Jennings, a seventh-round pick in 2020, deserves mention here because he embodies the type of player the 49ers develop into critical role players. Jennings has carved out a niche as a clutch performer, especially on third downs. In the 2022 season, Jennings caught 35 passes, many of which came in high-pressure situations. His physicality as a receiver and tenacity after the catch have made him a key target for quarterback Brock Purdy, especially in short-yardage scenarios.

Jennings’ development is another example of how the 49ers excel in turning late-round and undrafted players into significant contributors, further strengthening their roster without needing to spend heavily in free agency.

The Importance of Homegrown Talent and Undrafted Players

What sets the 49ers apart from other NFL teams is the combination of their homegrown stars and their ability to find and develop undrafted talent. While many teams focus on big-name free agents, San Francisco has built a roster of players who were drafted or signed as undrafted free agents and then molded into important contributors. This strategy has not only kept the 49ers competitive but has also given them flexibility when it comes to managing the salary cap.

A Bright Future for the 49ers

The development of undrafted players into crucial contributors highlights how well-rounded the 49ers’ front office and coaching staff are at evaluating and nurturing talent. This formula, combining draft success and undrafted gems, is what will keep the 49ers at the top of the NFL for years to come.

As long as the 49ers continue to draft well, develop their players, and find diamonds in the rough, they will remain perennial contenders, keeping their Super Bowl window wide open.