Some of the other beat writers have hit on this already (Maiocco, Inman), but I couldn't pass up writing about a sizable appetite! Outside linebacker Aaron Lynch spoke with the media Wednesday before practice, and he informed that he has gained 30 pounds this offseason, climbing from 246 pounds to 276 pounds. He said he weighed around 270 at Notre Dame, but then the last the weight due to his Adderall prescription at USF.
Lynch talked about the 49ers weight program, but also discussed the food options:
"We have these amazing chefs here that make whatever you want," Lynch said. "Coach Harbaugh says, ‘If you want two steaks, three steaks, take 'em home with you.'
"I guess that's how I kind of gained a lot of weight: eating steaks and thick salads."
I can only imagine how awesome it would be take quality steaks home with me. I need to talk with SB Nation about this!
This kind of weight gain would appear to make Lynch the heaviest linebacker on the team. Aldon Smith is listed at 265 pounds, but obviously we cannot be positive of current weight. Whatever Smith's current weight, we just know that Lynch is a big boy. Additionally, he has the serious arm length to go with his size. He measured in at the Combine at 34 inches. For comparison, Aldon Smith measured in at 35 3/8 inches. That's a whole lot of wingspan bringing the heat.
Lynch has a huge opportunity in front of him with Aldon Smith's potential suspension. Corey Lemonier would seem to be the front-runner to get the bulk of the playing time, with Dan Skuta getting a sizable amount as well. Lynch was unable to fully participate in much of the offseason workout program due to a hamstring issue. He missed the start of camp on the PUP list, but is now active. He got 9 special teams snaps on Thursday, and I imagine he gets some real defensive work on Sunday. He has a lot of work to do, but if he can impress these next three games, it could earn him a little bit of playing time.
Given how big he has gotten, one has to wonder if the 49ers will focus him on nickel defensive end work this year. We don't know how this weight gain will impact his speed, but he could potentially be a solid pure rushing option off the edge in passing situations. The 49ers nickel pass rush depth could be kind of ridiculous, with Lynch joining Corey Lemonier, Tank Carradine, and Ahmad Brooks early in the season, and then adding in Aldon Smith later. Whether Lynch develops into anything or not, the 49ers nickel ends are in good shape. If Lynch develops into anything this year, that group would be downright filthy.
Speaking of Lynch, his former college coach, Willie Taggart, spoke with 49ers.com.