PALO ALTO, CALIF. -- While John Lynch is off scouting quarterback prospects – he's been spotted at North Carolina and Notre Dame's Pro Days – Kyle Shanahan remains at the San Francisco 49ers training facility. The team's head coach took a break from his film study on Thursday to take a quick trip up Highway 101 for Stanford's Pro Day.
On the practice field, Shanahan spent time talking with Stanford head coach David Shaw and 49ers offensive lineman Joshua Garnett. Garnett was back at his alma mater to support his former teammates.
He also met briefly with local beat writers following the workouts. Here are five notes from the conversation.
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- STAYING LOCAL**
The coach explained why it was important for him to remain at 49ers HQ rather than travel with Lynch & Co. to various Pro Days around the country. The looming start of San Francisco's offseason program was a significant factor.
"It's been better for me to stay in the office with the film," Shanahan said. "We are getting our whole coaching staff ready for when our team gets here in two weeks. We've got a lot to do."
2. RISING STOCK
Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey was one of the major draws on Thursday. The do-it-all playmaker has seen his stock rise since the NFL Scouting Combine as he's entered the first-round conversation.
McCaffrey spent his Pro Day showcasing his versatility as a pass-catcher and ability to line up all over the field.
"That's what makes him valuable," Shanahan said. "He can do a little bit of everything, whether it's special teams and all the skill positions on offense. He's very versatile."
3. QUARTERBACK QUANDRY
Expect the 49ers to add at least one, if not two more quarterbacks before the start of training camp in late July. That could mean another free-agent addition or a rookie via the draft (or subsequent undrafted free agency).
San Francisco will continue to keep all of its options open.
"You usually want to bring four (quarterbacks) to camp," Shanahan said. "I've done it with three, and I've also had five before."
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- ADDED WEAPONRY**
Shanahan had yet to discuss the addition of wide receiver Aldrick Robinson. The two were together in 2016 with the Atlanta Falcons and also spent two seasons together with the Washington Redskins from 2012-13.
Robinson caught 20 passes for 323 receiving yards and two touchdowns last year.
"Aldrick is just a solid receiver. He's got a lot of speed," Shanahan said. "He backed up Julio Jones for us in Atlanta. When he was out, Aldrick came in and did his job. He can run all the routes. He's a guy who can be valuable for us."
5. WHAT'S THE BUZZ?
Shanahan admitted that he still has more tape to watch on Solomon Thomas. Stanford's other top prospect has been a popular choice in mock drafts as the 49ers selection with the No. 2 overall pick.
The coach explained that he likes what he's seen of the pass-rusher on film thus far and that he enjoyed seeing him in person on Thursday. Shanahan added that he and Lynch won't be influenced by the fact that San Francisco has used two consecutive first-round choices on defensive lineman (Arik Armstead in 2015 and DeForest Buckner in 2016).
"It doesn't concern me what we've done in the past," Shanahan said. "If we think that a player can help us, then that's what we'll do. You want to get the best guy possible."
