John Lynch hyped up AI in the draft room - But the 49ers 2026 draft class is ranked dead last in the NFL

The San Francisco 49ers took an unconventional approach to the 2026 NFL Draft, and now, they’re facing questions about the results.

General manager John Lynch revealed ahead of the draft that the organization had incorporated artificial intelligence into its evaluation process, describing it as a tool that could simplify and enhance decision-making.

“If you aren’t using it, you’re already behind,” Lynch said. “And the cool thing is… you don’t need to be an expert. Just like you at home, planning a travel itinerary, you can just ask the thing, and it can spit out pretty good things.”

At the time, the comments reflected a forward-thinking mindset from a franchise located in the heart of Silicon Valley. But in the days following the draft, that approach is being viewed through a different lens.

A class that stands out...for the wrong reasons

Early draft grades from analysts across the league have been largely critical of San Francisco’s class, with some ranking it near or at the bottom among all 32 teams. The biggest issue is a perceived disconnect between the 49ers’ selections and the general consensus board.

Several of San Francisco’s picks were labeled as reaches, taken earlier than expected based on projections from league evaluators and draft analysts. While Lynch made it clear the team prioritizes its internal consensus over outside opinion, the gap has fueled debate.

“We got consensus in this building,” Lynch said when asked about deviating from public boards. “That’s the consensus I care about.”

The use of AI itself isn’t necessarily the problem. Many teams around the league are experimenting with data-driven tools to supplement traditional scouting. But Lynch’s public endorsement of the technology, particularly the idea that “you don’t need to be an expert”, has drawn scrutiny in light of the outcome.

Critics have questioned how heavily those tools influenced decision-making, especially when selections appear to stray significantly from widely accepted evaluations. Still, Lynch emphasized that the team’s strategy was rooted in preparation, trade flexibility, and identifying players they believed in, even if it meant going against the grain.

“We were able to get the guys that we want… and also find a way to get eight players and only had six bullets,” Lynch said, pointing to trades that allowed the team to add future draft capital while still landing targeted prospects.

Too early to judge?

As with any draft, the true verdict won’t come for years. Classes that are initially criticized often outperform expectations, while highly praised groups can fall short. Development, coaching, and opportunity ultimately shape how these picks are remembered.

The 49ers leaned into a modern, AI-assisted process and walked away with a class that, at least on paper, ranks among the weakest in the league. Whether that approach proves innovative or misguided will depend on what happens next on the field.

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