The Gold Standard: San Francisco 49ers Podcast Network

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, our attention shifts to the draft and the class of edge rushers. Is it Nick Bosa or bust with the No. 2 pick?(17:04) If Bosa isn’t available, what options should the 49ers be considering at at the top of the draft?(33:59) And who are some names to keep an eye on later in the draft that could provide some pass-rush help?(57:49) All that, plus wrapping up free agency, re-living the 2013 NFC championship game, and WHO PLAYS SAM?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the free agency frenzy is upon us and whew buddy is there a lot to talk about. Will the 49ers themselves or their opponents feel the Wrath of Kwon?(22:26) Was trading for Dee Ford the right move at edge?(34:00) And, most importantly, are the 49ers valuing the right things in year three of the Lynchahan era?(10:19) All that, plus missing out on OBJ, bringing back Jimmie Ward, and adding yet another running back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, free agency is nearly upon us and it’s time to lay out our preferred plan of attack. Which player options should the 49ers pick up?(9:34) Are we in or out on some recent additions to the free-agent market?(17:10) And most importantly, which positions should the 49ers be focused on when the dollars start flying next week?(26:57) All that, plus one offseason signing is already in the books, quick combine thoughts, and we hope your birthday is boomin’. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, our attention turns to the offensive side of the ball in our free agency preview. Are any of the free agent wideouts an improvement over what the 49ers already have on the roster?(15:39) What sort of trade packages would they realistically be looking at to bring in a player like Antonio Brown or Odell Beckham Jr.?(27:20) And should the team be seriously considering bringing in a free agent to upgrade the right guard spot?(42:00) All that, plus Arik Armstead will see at least one more season in red and gold, changes on the defensive line begin, and True Detective #taeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we look to the defensive side of the ball to kick off our free agency preview. In a strong class for edge rushers, who has caught our eye?(11:00) How much would you pay Earl Thomas and are there other quality options if you miss out?(37:35) And is there anyone available to bolster a lackluster 49ers linebacking corps?(48:09) All that, the insanity of franchising kickers, the departure of an All-Name Team legend, and Antonio Brown’s blond mustache. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we wrap up our evaluation of the current 49ers roster by identifying the team’s very best, core players. How are we feeling about our incumbent Tier 1 players after another season?(17:28) Which players make their debut in the top tier?(24:46) And what are our major takeaways after going through the entire roster?(37:24) All that, plus thoughts on a boring Super Bowl(2:23), the absurdity of franchising kickers, and looking ahead to the primary focuses for this offseason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we continue our evaluation of the 49ers roster by looking at Tier 2 and Tier 3 players in our roster model. Which players do we think are on their way out in the near future? Which players do we expect to play a significant role on the next good 49ers team? And what happened to the core of the roster we thought we had last year? All that, plus coaching news, Super Bowl predictions, and the AAF. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the roster model returns as we begin to take stock of the current shape of the 49ers roster before looking ahead to the offseason and how it should change. What is the model and why is it useful? Which position on the roster is in most need of an overhaul? And which position could most benefit from improved development this offseason? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, The Athletic’s Matt Barrows joins to discuss the new additions to the 49ers coaching staff, and address those pesky Antonio Brown rumors. Plus, Matt discusses his excellent story detailing the oral history of the 49ers thrilling Divisional Playoff win against the New Orleans Saints (26:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s time to put a bow on the 2018 season and attempt to answer the questions we had entering the season. How did the revamped offensive line come together? What happened with the pass coverage? And did the 49ers manage to improve their ability to rush the passer? All that, plus we hand out some year-end superlatives, talk Robert Saleh’s evolution, and set the stage for the 49ers’ best season: the offseason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Oscar welcomes friends of the pod (old and new) to celebrate a win 5 years in the making. Brandon Schulze from the Seahawkers Podcast joins to detail changes to Seattle’s strategy. David Lombardi of The Athletic discusses the value of Nick Mullens. And John Bufone of the Bufone 55 Podcast joins to preview the week 16 matchup vs the Bears. All that plus a new advanced stat, a Mullens-Trubisky swap, and the value of learning to win. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s a Win-and-we-didn’t-totally-screw-up-draft-position Wednesday! What changed in the second half that nearly allowed the Broncos to come back? Which defensive players saw time at some more natural positions? And why is it difficult to truly judge Robert Saleh as a defensive coordinator right now? All that, plus previewing Seattle part two, a special beer that didn’t kill us (yet), and opening the chocolate door. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Oscar welcomes former NFL and AFL cornerback Erick Crocker to discuss offensive efficiencies rendered useless in Seattle. How can the 49ers ranked in the top 10 in any offensive categories? How precisely did Brian Schottenheimer out-coach Robert Saleh? Why in the hell is the line vs the Broncos just 4 points? All that plus a spotlight player, an update on Solomon Thomas’ interior snaps, and playing on broken legs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Oscar and Jerod discuss the effective Tampa Bay game plan that ultimately flummoxed the Mullens-led 49ers. How did one of the NFL’s worst defenses look decent? (2:15) Should Kyle Shanahan have gone for it near the goal line? (16:44) Are the 49ers in full eval mode? (26:16) All that plus a Seattle preview (48:43), a discussion on Arik Armstead’s value (31:15), and Jerod’s preferred end zone celebration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special Thanksgiving edition of the Better Rivals podcast, Oscar welcomes former Football Outsiders contributor, current Footballguys.com writer, and fellow 49ers fan Danny Tuccito to discuss what aspects of the 2018 team they are thankful for. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the Elegant Tank continues! Oscar and Jerod detail the breakdowns that ultimately cost the 49ers the game and ask: Are the defensive problems due to scheme or execution? All that plus Mullens' limitations, carpool karaoke, a resurgent first round pick, and a deep dive on pattern matching. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

George Chahrouri, data scientist at Pro Football Focus, joins to discuss how to measure the true impact of a head coach. This special bonus episode details why Kyle Shanahan is so valuable to the San Francisco 49ers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Jerod and Oscar are in full MULLENSMANIA mode. What drove Mullens’ success? (2:32) What powered the 49ers defensive resurgence? (28:56) And will the 49ers be able to continue their success against the New York Giants? (42:48) All that plus spotlight players, James “You” Bettcher’s game plan, and valuing original Nick names. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, execution problems still haunt the 49ers. How did Josh Rosen exploit the middle of the 49ers defense? (4:38) What’s going right, and wrong, with the 49ers run game? (15:27) WHY DIDN’T THE TEAM ADD DANTE FOWLER?! (31:58) All that, plus a spotlight players (27:33), a preview of the final Battle of the Bay (41:26), a running back problem, and a new official co-host. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Oscar and Jerod discuss the debacle against the Rams. (:51) What are the proper expectations for CJ Beathard? (3:35) Is Garçon stunting the development of a young wide receiving corps? (12:44) Why did Solomon Thomas have one of his best games of 2018? (27:22) All that plus the bracket for the first overall pick (43:31), and the curious case of the missing Johnson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the Elegant Tank paints its masterpiece. What on earth was happening as the 49ers’ defense alternated between disaster and decency? (0:56) How did Beathard beat the hardest he’s ever beaten? (15:53) And where did things ultimately fall apart in the fourth quarter? (22:25) All that, plus Marquise Goodwin in the spotlight, pleas for a mercy rule this week against the Rams (41:58), and it’s been 10 days since Solomon Thomas has rushed the passer from the interior. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Better Rivals Podcast Oscar welcomes Ted Nguyen, NFL staff writer for the Athletic to discuss how the 49ers lost a game where they dominated in nearly every phase (1:37). How did Shanahan’s game plan take advantage of the Cardinals defense? Did the defense actually play well or was Rosen just abysmal? Then, friend of the pod and former NFL cornerback Erick Crocker joins for a deep dive into the state of the 49ers secondary (29:20). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, the elegant tank is officially back on. How did Beathard perform relative to expectation in his first start of year two? (1:30) Are the defensive struggles really all on Robert Saleh? (16:27) And are the 49ers really better than the Cardinals right now? (38:48) All that, plus George Kittle continues to be an absolute boss (26:56), Earl Thomas-to-the-49ers speculation (30:01), and Casey Jarrett is the recipient of the football world’s collective Nickelback rage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s the whompiest of Whomp Whomp Wednesdays. Why did the Chiefs offense meet such little resistance from the 49ers defense? (2:25) Were there any bright spots to take away from Sunday’s performance? (17:57) And of course, where do the 49ers go now without Jimmy Garoppolo? (32:48) All that, plus expectations for C.J. Beathard, (43:41) where the Chargers will be looking to attack on offense, and matchups we’ll be focused on in Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Oscar and special guest Jerod Brown discuss the 49ers first win of the 2018 season. Why was the Lions defensive game plan successful? (3:05) Why are there so many defensive lapses? (11:25). What does this all mean for a week three game against the cheat code that is the red-hot Chiefs offense? (42:31) All that plus a new rushing Leadah (27:00), a check in on Mike McGlinchey (33:16), and an exploitable Chiefs vulnerability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Jerod Brown joins the show to recap a closer-than-expected loss against the Vikings. How was Kyle Shanahan’s game plan successful? (2:37) Did Jimmy Ward finally find his niche? Should you be alarmed about Jimmy Garoppolo’s miscues? (18:30) All that plus a preview of the week 2 matchup versus the Detroit Lions (41:22), and Jim Bob Cooter musings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, REAL FOOTBALL IS HERE. Jerod Brown, fellow Scouting Academy alum and writer for Bleacher Report’s NFL 1000, joins to discuss the final 53 man roster (9:01) and preview the week one tilt vs the Vikings (16:13). Why is the Vikings D effectively a mirror image of Shanahan's offense? What will the Vikings offense look like under new OC John DeFilippo? And is Kirk Cousins tailor-made for this offense? All that, plus a farewell toast to Jerick McKinnnon (3:36). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Chris Biderman joins to recap the weeks news (2:15), including the surprising(?) Eli Harold trade. Eric Crocker, a former NFL and AFL defensive back, joins to discuss the 3rd preseason game against the Colts (8:07). Did Josh Garnett do enough to win the starting role? Why is Cole Wick beating Cole Hikutini for the 3rd tight end role? And a look at Mike McGlinchey’s rough run-blocking day. All that, plus a few roster predictions leading up to final cut day (39:06). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Chris Biderman joins Oscar to discuss Bill Barnwell’s attempt at a Jimmy Garoppolo article. Chris also helps break down the best, and worst, players from the 49ers second preseason game. And Blake Murphy from Revenge of the Birds joins to preview the Cardinals 2018 season. All that plus the beauty of analogies, the best burger in Tempe, and a potential Better Rivals curse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, (preseason) football is back! Jeff Deeney from Pro Football Focus joins to discuss which players helped themselves, and which hurt themselves, in the first preseason game (:56). Then Joe McAtee, editor of Turf Show Times, joins the show to answer the key questions that will define the Rams 2018 season (21:38). All that plus a Harry Potter-themed roster quiz, and a Phillips over McVay TAEK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Brandan Shulze from the SeaHawkers Podcast joins the show to preview the Seahawk’s 2018 season (11:03). Will the Seattle defense be able to sustain a high level of play despite a talent drain? How bad will Brian Schottenheimer’s offense really be? Will the offensive line improve? All that plus a training camp review from PFF’s Jeff Deeny (:36) and a Seattle-specific speed round (53:04). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, football is right around the corner and it’s season preview time! Will Jimmy Garoppolo be able to sustain his excellent play over a full season? (9:19) Does the pass coverage take a significant step forward? (19:47) Will the 49ers be able to generate more edge pressure this season? (27:56) All that, plus record predictions, superlatives, and a fond farewell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we put a bow on Smart Football Month by taking a look at Robert Saleh’s pressure packages and their effectiveness. How often did the 49ers stunt or blitz last season relative to league average? (18:11) Were they actually effective when they did? (30:47) And how should we expect that to change in the coming season? (44:18) All that, plus takeaways from the Football Outsiders Almanac, Jimmy GQ feature week, and real football is right around the corner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, George Chahrouri of Pro Football Focus joins us in an analytics-slanted episode of Smart Football Month. What are expected points and how can they help evaluate decision making? (10:21) What is clustering and how can it help us group quarterbacks more constructively? (42:14) And most importantly, what does the data tell us about the 49ers in the coming season? (53:59) All that, plus a lightning round from the dark web, Witherspoon gets invited to DBU, and Jimmy dates a porn star. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, Smart Football Month rolls on as Zac Robinson from Pro Football Focus joins us to discuss all things quarterback. Just how tough is it for a quarterback to pick up the West Coast system? (11:41) What does Jimmy Garoppolo need to do to improve in year two? (21:24) And what should you be looking for when trying to evaluate quarterback play? All that, plus Reuben Foster is suspended, the five most important players for 2018, and cat murder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we kick off Smart Football Month by diving deep into Kyle Shanahan’s passing attack out of run personnel. Were the 49ers actually successful throwing out of run personnel last season? (3:06) How does Shanahan set his players up for success in these situations? (25:28) And what made the Jaguars game the finest example of how this strategy can be successful? (34:38) All that, plus Laken Tomlinson gets an extension, Jalen Ramsey’s recent comments, and Germany should’ve had sex. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we have officially ended our holdout and reported to (dis)organized podcasting activities. Will Jimmy Garoppolo ever complete another deep ball? (9:38) How will things shake out with the linebacker corps? (22:04) And how will the 49ers overcome the lack of quality edge rushers to get after the quarterback? (28:20) All that, plus the importance of tackles and centers in Shanahan’s offense (37:49), breakout players (50:00), and more as we open up the mailbag to answer your questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we wrap up our coverage of the 2018 NFL draft. Was Kentavius Street worth the risk in the fourth round? (:53) How will D.J. Reed fit in with the current secondary? (16:59) And which late-round player has the best chance of finding the field early? (37:25) All that, plus the importance of athleticism for the current 49ers regime, why the 49ers are basically the hopeless romantics of the NFL, and any lingering concern with the absence of an edge draftee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 236: “It’s a pick that shows how the team views pass coverage.” by Niners Nation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we offer up initial impressions on the 49ers’ first-round pick Mike McGlinchey. Why would the 49ers look at tackle early in the draft? What did they pass up by making the selection? And, most importantly, was it worth it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s time to wrap up our pre-draft coverage with some final thoughts. What does our draft board look like if the 49ers stay at No. 9 overall? (4:53) What would make us rage quit the draft? (15:46) And which positions should John Lynch & Co. be focused on in the middle rounds? (30:10) All that, plus trade talk (17:59), what to do with weak position groups (34:31), and WE FINALLY HAVE MERCH. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we try and fail at pronouncing the names of defenders who could be an option for the 49ers on day two or later. Are there any intriguing players in this edge class after the first round? (2:56) Which outside cornerbacks fit the profile the 49ers are looking for? (30:23) And which players could upgrade San Francisco’s poor coverage in the middle of the field? (48:31) All that, plus a linebacker to keep an eye on late in the draft, getting capital ‘F’ Fysical, and seriously, these names are really hard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we take a look at day-two-or-later draft prospects who’ve caught our eye on offense. Will the 49ers really be looking at big, contested-catch wide receivers or does Kyle Shanahan have a different type? (8:53) In a deep draft class, which running backs stand out as fits in the 49ers offense? (32:30) And which player would give the 49ers a pair of top-end athletes at the tight end position? (50:04). All that, plus what we’re looking for in later-round prospects, the abundance of big wideouts in this draft class, and the general lack of intriguing prospects in this TE class. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, premium-position players who could be available for the 49ers at No. 9 overall enter the spotlight. Does it make sense for the 49ers to target interior coverage defenders like Minkah Fitzpatrick or Derwin James given the current makeup of the roster? (6:54) Do either of the top cornerbacks in this draft class project as a scheme fit in San Francisco’s defense? (26:26) And which edge rusher should be at the top of the 49ers’ wish list come draft day? (46:09) All that, plus math jokes, why offense is unlikely to be a consideration at No. 9 overall, and our rankings for San Francisco’s first-round options. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, our draft preview series continues by looking at three non-premium position players who could be options for the 49ers with the No. 9 overall pick. Is there anything wrong with Quenton Nelson’s game? (10:37) Does Roquan Smith excel in the passing game enough to add more value than your typical linebacker? (25:18) And is the upside of Tremaine Edmunds worth a top-10 selection? (42:12) All that, plus should the 49ers trade for OBJ (2:00), the latest on Reuben Foster, and it’s officially #BESTSHAPEOFHISLIFESZN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s time to turn our attention to the NFL draft. What will we be looking for when evaluating draft prospects? (14:16) Why is positional value so important when talking about the draft? (30:08) And what are the strengths and weaknesses of the 2018 class? (46:05) All that, plus John Lynch confirms the worst-kept secret in football (2:07), quick thoughts on the 49ers’ latest free agent additions (5:42), and bachelor party shenanigans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, it’s a free agency frenzy! Should we expect Richard Sherman to be the same player he was in Seattle? (6:20) Why did the 49ers choose to add a center in free agency rather than a guard? (20:54) And is Jerick McKinnon really worth paying as a top-five running back? (37:30) All that, plus why the 49ers hate everyone you wanted to sign, the value of a pass-catching RB, and whether Lynchahan has a blind spot for players at non-premium positions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we answer all of your free agency questions. How should Vinny Curry figure into the 49ers’ free agency plans if he becomes available? (5:58) Which positions of need are the most valuable? (22:51) And what does the dream free agency period look like? (50:55) All that, plus which pending 49ers free agent gets signed first (21:00), the value of the combine (30:26), and which 49ers player we’d give the strength of the Black Panther (41:11). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of the Better Rivals podcast, we wrap up our free agency preview with an in-depth look at the top guards in this year’s class. Should the 49ers be worried about spending top money on Andrew Norwell or Josh Sitton? (8:09) If the top players prove too rich, which players could John Lynch & Co. target at the mid-level? (33:40) And is Brandon Fusco worth bringing back as a bargain option? (39:11) All that, plus John Lynch throws shade at Ken Norton (0:48), several potential offseason targets go off the market (1:39), and our preferred free agency plan of attack (48:37). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices