John Lynch's belief in bloodlines adds intriguing subplot to the San Francisco 49ers' 2024 NFL Draft

One of the most fascinating elements of the 2024 NFL Draft for the San Francisco 49ers is the opportunity they have to select prospects with connections to some of the greatest players in their history.

The sons of Jerry Rice, Terrell Owens and Frank Gore are all in this draft class, as is the brother of Christian McCaffrey.

Brenden Rice, Terique Owens, Frank Gore Jr. and Luke McCaffrey won't get drafted on name value alone, but 49ers general manager John Lynch conceded that the familial link to players who excelled at the highest levels is something that factors into his own evaluation of such prospects.

Speaking at his pre-draft press conference, Lynch was asked about the opportunity the 49ers have to add a legacy prospect to their roster.

"Well, I believe in bloodlines. I really do. I mean, I think there's evidence that you should," he replied. 

"Then you have to step away from that and you have to evaluate it. And that's sometimes difficult to do and that's why a lot of different eyes, a lot of different perspectives. And that's what we try to do when we have our R&D [research and development team] look at it, we have our coaches look at it, we have our scouting look at it, we try to hit it from a variety of measuring points and inflection points as to how you grade these guys because you don't want to do it just off that. That wouldn't be smart. 

"But, these guys, there's some inherent pressure on who their dad is, but there's also some good genes and I think that matters. And so, it's exciting that you have all these great, I mean, we're talking Hall of Fame players and great players and brothers of players and it's really fun. 

"T.O. [former NFL WR Terrell Owens] was out here at the local pro day and his son Terique performed really well and that was pretty cool. 

"I saw him running at me and I played against T.O. a lot and there was something in that stride that was very familiar. It was something about the gait. And it's crazy how those things translate. Is that just gene pool? Is that modeling the way they watch their dad run? 

"It's interesting to me but it's a fun element to this year's draft that I think is going to be interesting to watch to see how it unfolds."

USC receiver Rice could go as early as day two, while fellow wideout McCaffrey — a former quarterback at Nebraska who transferred to Rice University — is seen as a mid-round pick.

Southern Miss running back Gore is likely looking at going in the later rounds and Missouri State receiver Owens has conceded his path is probably as an undrafted free agent.

But with the man who runs San Francisco's draft openly stating his belief in NFL bloodlines, all four can carry at least some hope of becoming a member of the 49ers.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan obviously has a huge influence on the prospects the Niners draft on the offensive side of the ball, so the question of fit in the game's pre-eminent offense will likely decide if any of them see those hopes realized. 

Still, once the first round is in the books, the possibility of the Niners acquiring the son of a franchise legend or the brother of the reigning Offensive Player of the Year will be a fascinating subplot to follow.