John Lynch: 49ers' commitment to culture has gotten easier over time

When John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan assumed the roster-building responsibilities for the San Francisco 49ers in 2017, the team was still in the process of defining its culture. The new general manager and head coach had a clear vision of what that culture would look like, building a team with players and coaches who execute their roles selflessly.

This meant physical play on both offense and defense, maximum effort, and even thinking outside the box with some position groups.

This commitment to a well-rounded approach is evident in the roles expected of the 49ers' wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs. In addition to their primary duties, all players in these positions must contribute to the blocking effort, whether downfield or in the trenches.

George Kittle, widely regarded as one of the best blocking tight ends in the NFL, exemplifies this mentality, as does wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who is known for his downfield blocking.

General manager John Lynch, speaking on the "Pat McAfee Show" on Thursday, discussed the 49ers' strategy for acquiring players, whether through free agency, the draft, or trades, who align with the team's established culture and whether this process has become easier or more challenging over time.

"I think it's easier when you've had that continuity of Kyle and I working together," Lynch said. "... We went to great lengths in terms of defining exactly what we want, in terms of the talent and the spirit. What are the qualities that we want in a Niner? And those things are fluid and they change.

"But we have a saying around here, our wide receiver coach, Leonard Hankerson, and he tells those guys, 'No block, no rock.' So, you want the ball? You best be blocking for your teammates. And you see Christian McCaffrey doing it for Deebo Samuel. Brandon Aiyuk is a tremendous [blocker]. I love the way that guy plays, his spirit."