Detroit Lions coach Matt Patricia fields questions from reporters during the NFL meetings in Orlando on Tuesday, March 27, 2018. Video by Dave Birkett/DFP
Few NFL teams have improved their lot more in the last year than the San Francisco 49ers.
From the acquisition of Jimmy Garoppolo to the hoarding of more draft picks — they have four of the first 74 choices later this month — the 49ers have become a popular pick to contend for a playoff spot in 2018.
And 49ers general manager John Lynch said at the NFL’s annual meeting last week that his trusted sounding board, former Lions general manager Martin Mayhew, has been a big part of the 49ers’ success.