San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch expressed empathy and support for Shedeur Sanders after his surprising fall to the fifth round of the NFL Draft, where he was eventually picked by the Cleveland Browns. Lynch admired Sanders' competitive spirit and recalled his impression of him from his freshman year at Jackson State, wishing him success in proving his worth with the Browns. The 49ers had shown some early interest in Sanders, though their main focus was securing a long-term contract for quarterback Brock Purdy. Despite not pursuing Sanders, Lynch's comments were seen as a kind gesture towards a player who had a challenging draft experience. The 49ers' only quarterback addition was drafting Kurtis Rourke in the seventh round, indicating their primary offseason goal remained solidifying Purdy's position.

John Lynch, GM of the San Francisco 49ers, spoke empathetically about Shedeur Sanders' unexpected drop to the fifth round in the NFL Draft, where the Cleveland Browns selected him at No. 144.

Lynch emphasized the importance of what players do with their opportunities, noting Sanders' chance to prove himself worthy of the Browns' pick, despite the challenging draft process.

Recalling his first impression of Sanders during his freshman year at Jackson State, Lynch expressed excitement for Sanders' opportunity in Cleveland and wished him success.

The 49ers had shown some initial interest in Sanders, albeit jokingly, but their primary focus remained on securing a long-term deal for quarterback Brock Purdy.

In their offseason strategy, the 49ers drafted Kurtis Rourke in the seventh round, signaling that their main priority was to reinforce their commitment to Purdy as their leading quarterback.

Lynch's supportive comments towards Sanders were viewed as a considerate gesture, acknowledging the young quarterback's challenging draft weekend.

The 49ers' approach indicates their strategic focus on quarterback stability, with Purdy at the helm, while expressing goodwill towards emerging talents like Sanders.

There wasn't anyone in the NFL not paying close attention to Shedeur Sanders' NFL Draft free fall.

That includes San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch.

He even shared some thoughtful words about Sanders after the draft, when the Colorado QB finally went in the fifth round at No. 144 for the Browns.

"There's a lot of time and we're all doing our work, but then you're sitting up there and this was a story that kind of was prevalent," Lynch told reporters. "I think more than anything, just empathy, that's tough for a young man. But I know that he's a competitor. I know that he's got his opportunity now and I think we tell people all the time, it's not when you go, it's not where you go, it's what you do with that opportunity."

Lynch wasn't finished.

"He's got that opportunity in Cleveland and I'm excited for him," Lynch said. "I remember seeing him down at Jackson State, his true freshman year, and really enjoying getting to know the kid. A lot of things are said about him, but now he gets to go prove that he's worthy of that pick by the Browns and we wish him nothing but the best."

MORE: Shedeur Sanders reportedly tanked his pre-draft interviews

The 49ers had been linked to Sanders early in the draft process almost in jest. Their offseason QB priority is getting Brock Purdy signed on to a long-term deal.

They did draft Kurtis Rourke out of Indiana in the seventh round, but that's it as far as additions.

This doesn't appear to be Lynch trying to pull off anything other than being nice to a guy who had a rough weekend. That's very kind of the GM toward Shedeur.

MORE NFL NEWS:

• Jaguars' Travis Hunter trade is biggest move in franchise history
• President Trump shares his take on the tush push for the Eagles
• 3 potential issues with George Kittle's contract extension
• Deion Sanders' surprise role in Shedeur's draft slide revealed
• Deion Sanders fired by son after Shedeur's draft slide
• Full details of Shedeur Sanders prank call revealed
• Shedeur Sanders will start when he's ready and could rescue Browns QB woes
• Why Shilo Sanders, Buccaneers make sense together
• Buccaneers' plan for Shilo Sanders revealed
• Cowboys' Trevon Diggs is in trouble with contract
• The reason the Giants rejected Shedeur Sanders
• The Rams' $17 million reason a Jalen Ramsey deal is going to happen
• Saints reveal feelings on QB Tyler Shough's advanced age
• Bears' Colston Loveland makes NFL history before playing a snap
• Why Cowboys, Nick Chubb free agent signing makes sense
• Travis Hunter will be a fantasy football cheat code
• Chargers' Omarion Hampton already gets bad news
• Vikings' J.J. McCarthy breaks silence on Aaron Rodgers, starting job
• Browns make shocking Kenny Pickett decision
• 49ers have a QB picked in the CFL Draft