NFL owners can have varying levels of interest in their teams, and it’s seen across the league. While some owners leave everything to their front office, coaching staff and players, others like to be the ones calling the shots day-to-day.
For the San Francisco 49ers, Jed York is more of the former, especially recently, trusting John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan to run the show since 2017.
However, in a recent conversation with ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, York revealed the one time he pushed for a player in the NFL draft.
“The only guy that I ever wanted us to draft was [wide receiver] Arnaz Battle,” York said. “I went to school with Arnaz [at Notre Dame], knew him as a guy. [Otherwise], I try to stay as far away from that as possible.”
Battle, a sixth-round pick in 2003, went on to play nine seasons in the NFL, including seven for the 49ers. He caught 178 passes for 2,150 yards and 11 touchdowns in his time with San Francisco while contributing on special teams as well.
Considering the 49ers’ recent draft history, Lynch may want to ask for York’s input.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers owner takes credit for overachieving draft pick 20 years ago
Reporting by Mike Masala, Niners Wire / Niners Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
