John Lynch’s first sketch as general manager looked like a home. He moved back from no. 2 at no. 3 to pick the player the 49ers intended to take 2nd place anyway. They traded in the first round to select defender Reuben Foster in 31st place and by the end of 2017, it looks like there could be more than five quality 10-player class holders. Until the beginning of the 2021 league year, it seems that the 2017 project was closer to an attack.
One week after the opening of the legal bargaining window for free agents, only two members of the 2017 draft class are still in San Francisco and do not seem to be on the right track to keep players who remain unsigned.
Here’s a reminder of the 49ers 2017 draft class and what each player has become:
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Thomas was recruited for his versatility, but was never able to effectively rush the passer-by, which prevented his overall impact.
Current team: Las Vegas Raiders
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Off-field problems forced the 49ers to reduce Foster before the end of the second season. He was picked up by Washington, but was injured before playing a game for them.
Current team: free agent
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It was four and four seasons in red and gold for Witherspoon, but the strong completion of the 2020 campaign was not enough to attract the 49ers to re-sign him after concluding his debut contract.
Current team: Seattle Seahawks
(Photo by AP / Jed Jacobsohn)
The 49ers rose to the third round to select Beathard of Iowa. Its development has never taken off and now it seems unlikely to return to San Francisco after four unproductive years.
Current team: free agent
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This remains the only choice the 49ers have used on a back-running under Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan. He never played a regular season game for San Francisco.
Current team: retired
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This is a good enough choice to prevent the project from being a total disaster, but Kittle is the first in the group to be on the 49ers list for the 2021 season.
Current team: San Francisco 49ers
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The injuries derailed Taylor after a promising start to his career. The derailleur slot receiver had a back injury between Year 1 and Year 2, then was removed by a foot injury in Year 3 and was not effective in Year 4.
Current team: free agent
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Jones sculpted an initial role during his third and fourth years, and San Francisco signed him back on a one-year contract this season. He is the only member of this beginner class who has returned after the expiration of his first contract.
Current team: San Francisco 49ers
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Taumoepenu never found more than a special role for the 49ers and was let go after the 2019 season. He played a game for the Falcons in 2020.
Current team: free agent
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The end of Colbert’s rookie season made him look like a draft pick. However, he fought in 2018 and did not remain on the list after the 2019 training camp.
Current team: free agent