Striking Gold: A 49ers Pod

The San Francisco 49ers wrapped up mandatory minicamp and now get some much-needed time away before their next challenge: NFL Training Camp. Rob breaks down all of his unanswered questions for the team that will need answering when the 49ers report back to Santa Clara in late-July.

The 49ers wrapped up their mandatory minicamp on Wednesday. It was the last time the team steps on the field until training camp in late July. Rob gathered up the latest word from practice to break down who has stood out so far this offseason.

Pro Football Focus recently ranked the rosters of all 32 NFL teams and the 49ers may not have been ranked as highly as we've come to think. Rob takes what we need from OTAs and contrasts it with PFF's assessment of San Francisco's current crop of players.

The 49ers are reportedly in the final stages of trading for Eagles pass rusher Bryce Huff, whose last standout season came under Robert Saleh with the Jets, who is now the defensive coordinator in San Francisco. Rob breaks down the move and it's impact on the defensive line, as well as gives his initial reaction the team beginning offseason OTAs.

Matt Barrows of The Athletic joins Rob to discuss his detailed insight into the 49ers' draft class after an in-depth interview with 49ers director of player personnel, Tariq Ahmad.

Brock Purdy met with the media today for the first time after signing his new, 5-year, $265 million dollar deal to lead the 49ers for the foreseeable future. Rob breaks down some of his takeaways from the both the press conference and the finer details that have emerged from Purdy's new deal.

Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area joins Rob to offer her unique insight into LB Fred Warner's extension. The two also discuss QB Brock Purdy's new, record-breaking contract and the 49ers' new approach to the offseason.

It's done. The 49ers and quarterback Brock Purdy have agreed with a 5-year, $265 million contract extension that ties him to San Francisco until 2030. Rob breaks down the details and why Purdy is where he belongs on the list of NFL signal callers that have and will be paid top dollar.

The 2025 NFL schedule has been released - and contrary to years past - the 49ers are on the bright side. Rob breaks down the advantages and how the season sets up San Francisco for a possible postseason return.

New defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and special teams coordinator Brant Boyer spoke with the media this week. Rob discusses what we should expect from the pair based on their new insights, and how they could shape the 49ers on the field moving forward.

How valuable is TE George Kittle to the 49ers? It's a topic Rob discusses after news broke that San Francisco was offered a 2nd-round pick for Kittle prior to his extension. GM John Lynch also provided us with some insight into the draft process and offered a brief update on QB Brock Purdy's looming extension.

Kyle Posey of Niners Nation joins Rob to take another look at the 49ers' 11-man class a week after the NFL Draft, sharing their final impressions and how each player fits into San Francisco's plans this season.

The 49ers received some unfavorable grades following their 11-person NFL Draft class, with the term "reach" being used as a common reason why. Rob takes a deep into the 49ers' draft habits in regards to "reaching," what it means to select players ahead of their consensus ranking and if it's worked out for John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan.

The NFL Draft has come and gone and the 49ers wrapped up their 11-man class of players today with seven new selections on Day 3. Rob takes a detailed look at all of the Day 3 selections and offers his take on the class as a whole. Did the 49ers get it right?

The 49ers made three picks on Day 2 on the NFL Draft, all on the defensive side of the ball. Rob breaks down the players and how they fit on to Robert Saleh's defense.

The 49ers made their first pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams at 11th overall. Kyle Posey of Niners Nation joins Rob to break down everything about Williams' fit with the 49ers, as well as additional roster needs as they prepare for Day 2 of the NFL Draft.

We're on the eve of the 2025 NFL Draft and it's a BlueWire crossover - Kyle Madson of Candlestick Chronicles and Rob Lowder of Striking Gold combine forces to predict one 49ers pick from each day of the draft.

Rob is joined again by John Chapman of the 49ers Rush podcast and YouTube show for their annual tradition - the 49ers Top-30 visits only Mock NFL Draft - where Rob and John are required to pick from the pool of players that have been brought to Santa Clara for an in-person visit.

Jake Hutchinson of the Dieter and Hutch Show joins Rob to talk all things NFL Draft, including the prospects he loves and hates that are commonly paired with the 49ers. Jake also touches on his process of creating a Draft Guide, the possibility of trading up and down and his ideal approach to San Francisco's draft strategy.

The Athletic's Matt Barrows - esteemed 49ers beat writer - joins Rob to take a detailed dive into the team's' NFL Draft plans. The pair discuss Barrows' 2025 draft crush, the team's obvious need along the defensive front and how much is hinging on this 2025 draft class. They even threw in an impromptu 3-round mock draft, because why not?!

John Chapman of the 49ers Rush Podcast and YouTube show joins Rob for a special mock NFL Draft Battle, where both make all 11 picks for the 49ers to see who comes out on top with the best class.

The NFL Draft is just over two weeks away, and the 49ers might be giving us clues as to their intensions. Rob breaks down the team's Top 30 visits so far and how they may be painting a pictures of the team's priorities heading into the draft.

Niners Nation's Kyle Posey joins Rob to play the role of 49ers GM John Lynch, making all 11 picks in a full 7-round mock NFL Draft that has the team leaning heavily into the trenches.

It's April, which means it's NFL Draft month, which also makes it mock draft season. Rob offers his first mock draft of the month utilizing Pro Football Focus' mock draft simulator to make all 11 of the 49ers' draft picks live during the show.

Rob is joined by John Chapman of the 49ers Rush podcast and YouTube Show for an NFL Draft crossover episode. The pair put their thoughts together on NFL Draft philosophy and the state of the roster, finishing with a full 7-round mock draft with Rob manning the helm as GM.

We're one month out from the 2025 NFL Draft, which means it's about time we took a look at all of the players that are most commonly associated with the 49ers at Pick 11. Rob breaks down all the prospects and how they'd fit in to a roster that is in need of reinforcements.

The 49ers' departing players were paid a record-breaking amount of money and the team has done little to replace them. Many have begun to turn their attention to John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan's 11 picks in this year's draft for reinforcements. Rob takes a closer look at their past performance and why the team hasn't earned that confidence yet.

The 49ers have released a slew of high profile players since the start of free agency, leaving many to question the plan of GM John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan. Rob talks through each departure and why it's not time to panic, but it is fair to wonder, especially in regards to one position group in particular.

Day 2 of free agency has come and gone, for the most part, the 49ers missing out on the chance to add former Chargers DE Joey Bosa to pair with his brother, Nick, on the defense line. Rob discusses why that wasn't necessarily a bad thing (but it isn't great,) as well as the several other players San Francisco added to the roster on Day 2.

NFL free agency "began" on Monday, giving way to a handful of 49ers players signing with new teams in an expected exodus that seems like a retooling of sorts for Kyle Shanahan's team. Rob breaks down the exits, additions, the projected compensatory picks and names to look for on Day 2 and beyond.

Tim Kawakami of the San Francisco Standard joins Rob on Striking Gold to talk about his insight into the team. Tim talks about the likelihood of former Chargers DE Joey Bosa joining his brother Nick on the 49ers defensive line, as well as the 49ers' new dynamic, where high-priced contracts may be harder to come by.

Several reports indicate the 49ers have shifted their priorities prior to NFL free agency, with John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan focused on shedding big contracts and being more picky about where they spend. Rob discusses the causes, and how the team is at odds with itself after a disappointing season.

Breaking news: 49ers WR Deebo Samuel has been traded to the Washington Commanders for a 5th-round pick. Rob breaks down the news, Deebo then vs. Deebo now, the salary cap implications and how it'll affect San Francisco's offense moving forward. Rob also ends with the slowly building news that the 49ers may be willing to move on from their other star receiver - Brandon Aiyuk.

49ers general manager John Lynch spoke at the NFL Combine. Rob breaks down the main points, as well as details what he believes San Francisco needs to do in order to achieve a successful free agency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NFL free agency is just a few weeks out, so Rob takes a look at every single player on Pro Football Focus' Top 100 free agents and how they might or might not fit into the 49ers plans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Free agency is approaching quicky and it won't be long before it's time to talk NFL Draft, so before we dive into both, Rob ranks all of the 49ers position groups, starting with those most in need of reinforcements. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Despite their season ending after Week 17, the 49ers were in the headlines again on Super Bowl Sunday, news breaking that Deebo Samuel had requested yet another trade from San Francisco. Rob talks through the situation and likely end result, also offering his takeaways from the Eagles' Super Bowl victory, and what the 49ers need to do to return to the postseason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Cleveland Browns' star pass rusher, Myles Garrett, has requested a trade and sent the NFL abuzz with possible landing spots. There will be no shortage of options for Garrett, but the 49ers might be in a better position than most teams to trade for the NFL's best defensive player, should John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan elect to engage - which they should. The Striking Gold podcast is presented by Prize Picks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kyle Posey of Niners Nation joins Rob to offer their offseason suggestions to give the 49ers their best chance at returning to the postseason, including new contracts, free agency and draft needs. This episode of Striking Gold is presented by Prize Picks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kyle Shanahan finally found his coordinators, the 49ers announcing the return of Robert Saleh to run the defense and Brant Boyer for special teams. Both are well-regarded and Rob breaks down their outlook and impact for the 49ers. He also reviews every pending free agent from the team and whether they should stay with the 49ers are be ushered into the open market. This episode of Striking Gold is presented by Prize Picks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The last 48 hours has been a whirlwind of reality shoe-esque drama for the NFL, with the 49ers watching from the wayside as the Jaguars and Buccaneers influence their hopes for the return of former defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. Rob breaks down the latest news, which includes a new frontrunner for the special teams coordinator position, as well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers remain dormant in their search for a new defensive and special teams coordinators while the rest of the NFL makes their hires. Rob talks about his reaction the NFL divisional round, as well as how things are shaking out for the 49ers in the hunt for new coaching staff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices