49ers GM Says Teams Not Using AI Are Already Falling Behind

Clear Facts

• San Francisco 49ers General Manager John Lynch announced the team is incorporating artificial intelligence into their NFL Draft preparation process
• Lynch stated that teams not using AI technology are “already behind” in the modern NFL landscape
• The 49ers hold six draft picks this year, including the 27th overall selection in the first round

The San Francisco 49ers are embracing cutting-edge technology as they prepare for this week’s NFL Draft, with General Manager John Lynch revealing that artificial intelligence has become an integral part of their evaluation process.

“If you aren’t using it, you’re already behind,” Lynch told reporters Monday, making a bold statement about the role of technology in modern football operations.

The 49ers possess six selections in this year’s draft, headlined by the 27th overall pick in the first round. Lynch’s comments suggest AI will influence how the team approaches those decisions, though he emphasized that using the technology doesn’t require specialized expertise.

“And the cool thing is, what we found is you don’t need to be an expert,” Lynch said.

“Just like you at home, planning a travel itinerary, you can just ask the thing, and it can spit out pretty good things, some pretty good ideas.”

The comparison to consumer-level AI applications may surprise some observers, but it underscores how accessible these tools have become for organizations willing to adopt them. Lynch acknowledged the 49ers’ geographic advantage in this technological shift.

“Some pretty good ideas, our developers, I think we’re fortunate to be where we are down at the epicenter of the innovation there, and we’ve tried to take advantage of that,” Lynch added.

“And I do think every team is probably using it in some form or fashion. And I think that will only increase as we move forward.”

The team’s willingness to explore new approaches comes after a significant offseason move that saw them sign wide receiver Mike Evans to a three-year deal worth $42.5 million. The 49ers have faced challenges maintaining consistency at the wide receiver position, largely due to injuries plaguing the roster.

Last season, Jauan Jennings led all 49ers wide receivers with 90 targets, while Kendrick Bourne and Ricky Pearsall tied for second with just 53 targets each. Quarterback Brock Purdy relied heavily on running back Christian McCaffrey, who led the team with 129 targets, and tight end George Kittle, who hauled in 69. The offense faces additional uncertainty after Kittle ruptured his Achilles during the NFL playoffs, leaving his availability for the upcoming season in question.

The irony isn’t lost that AI might not have identified Purdy himself as a worthwhile selection when the 49ers took him with the final pick of the 2022 draft. The Iowa State product, dubbed “Mr. Irrelevant,” has since developed into one of the league’s most efficient quarterbacks, proving that human evaluation and intangible qualities still matter in player assessment.

As teams across the league race to gain competitive advantages through technology and analytics, the 49ers appear committed to staying ahead of the curve. Whether AI proves to be a game-changer in identifying draft talent remains to be seen, but Lynch’s confidence suggests the organization believes it’s a risk worth taking in an increasingly data-driven sport.

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