PHOENIX -- The pre-draft process is reaching its final stages. As pro days wrap up around the country, teams will start scheduling official visits over the course of the next month. Each club is allowed to bring in 30 prospects to its facility.
John Lynch confirmed that the San Francisco 49ers list, unsurprisingly, will feature a healthy dose of pass rushers. The 49ers GM told reporters on Monday at the league's annual meetings that Kentucky's Josh Allen, Ohio State's Nick Bosa, Alabama's Quinnen Williams and Michigan's Rashan Gary will be making the trip to the SAP Performance Facility in April.
The first three names are considered to be San Francisco's likeliest choices with the No. 2 pick. Gary, along with other pass rushers like Florida State's Brian Burns, could be an option should the 49ers trade down.
Official visits will give the 49ers a full day to further evaluate each player and determine whether or not they're a fit in San Francisco. Only then will the 49ers be able to solidify their draft board.
Lynch said all options are on the table at this point. However, Lynch added that a player could reach a certain threshold to where that prospect would be viewed as a can't-miss player and would be selected at No. 2 regardless of any potential trade offers.
"Those decisions haven't been made yet," the GM said. "I think you have to keep an open mind."
San Francisco will continue its pre-draft meetings next week.
"Those conversations have been ongoing but now you really bring it to a head," Lynch said.
(Random, but relatable aside: Lynch joked that he was thankful to have an IHOP so close to the team facility. It was reported that Williams chose IHOP as his preferred spot for a meal with 49ers brass following Alabama's pro day. Lynch wanted to order pigs in a blanket for nostalgia sake. But when Williams ordered a garden omelette, Lynch felt obligated to be healthy and, much to his own chagrin, ordered a garden ommelette as well. We've all been in that scenario before.)
