Don Atkinson

There's an old Irish proverb that says, "Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups." This declaration could apply to many areas of our culture, especially politics and government. And it sometimes applies well to sports. The public outrage over the 49ers' most recent departure from the much-worshipped "NFL Consensus Draft Board" just over one week ago provides a timely example of the enduring truth of the adage.

Just one month out from the NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers are poised to take on their next phase of roster revamping ahead of the 2026 season. After what only the hopelessly out-of-touch would refuse to admit was perhaps the team's best off-season free agency period in more than a few years, the 49ers are now ready to bring in another wave of youngsters to shore up and solidify their already upgraded squad.

Approaching the Ides of March, it just wouldn't be a 49ers' off-season if the everlasting super-partnership of general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan didn't make a move that instigated both smiles and grumbling amongst the team's fan base. Very few of the 49ers' signings since those two took over in San Francisco haven't created some level of disagreement.