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49ers' Shanahan focusing on free agents, Lynch handling draft

Kelley L Cox / USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco 49ers' unique power structure figures to be tested right out of the gates.

When Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch were introduced as the Niners' new head coach and general manager, respectively in early February, they informed the public that they share veto power on the construct of the roster, free agency, and draft decisions.

Speaking on KNBR radio on Friday, Shanahan said the new hires are currently splitting duties for the upcoming free-agency period and April's draft.

"We're watching a lot of film, which, we're doing a lot together and a lot separate. John and the whole personnel department are going through the draft stuff right now. Which me and the coaches aren't yet at the draft. We're watching our own players and free agents," Shanahan said, according to KNBR's Kevin Jones.

"We'll get to the draft really starting in Indy. Then we'll hit the draft hard for a month when we get back. Right now, John and his whole personnel staff are upstairs going through all the draft stuff, trying to set the draft board, so when we get back from Indy, then we have some direction on what positions to watch, the order to watch it."

Shanahan appears intent on filling his plate. He will not only serve as the team's head coach - in his first go-round in such a position - but as their offensive coordinator as well. He'll also have control of the 53-man roster, while Lynch will control the 90-man roster and take the lead in free agency and the draft.

If they go down, it appears they'll go down together.

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