49ers embracing AI in NFL Draft preparation

Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape everyday life, and the San Francisco 49ers are no strangers to using the tool. The team is preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft, and general manager John Lynch confirmed Monday that the organization has incorporated AI into its player evaluation process.

Speaking during his annual pre-draft press conference, Lynch was asked how much AI has changed scouting and evaluation since he took over in 2017.

"A lot," Lynch said. "I think just like the rest of the world, if you aren't using it, you're already behind. And the cool thing is, what we've found, you don't need to be an expert. Just like you, at home, planning a travel itinerary, you can just ask the thing, and it can spit out some pretty good things, some pretty good ideas."

Based in Santa Clara, the 49ers operate in the heart of the tech industry, giving them proximity to many of the companies driving innovation in areas like AI. The team has partnerships with several of those companies and continues to leverage emerging tools to maintain a competitive edge.

He also does not doubt that AI is being used across the league in many areas of football operations.

"I think we're fortunate to be where we are, kind of at the epicenter of the innovation there, and we've tried to take advantage of that," Lynch added. "I do think every team is probably using it in some form or fashion, and I think that will only increase as we move forward."

The 2026 NFL Draft begins this week—a three-day process that starts with Round 1 on Thursday night.