When it comes to the San Francisco 49ers' draft strategy, the conversation has been anything but quiet. From reaching on prospects to missing on running backs, the team's recent draft history has sparked endless debate. But FOX Sports' Colin Cowherd believes he's pinpointed the root cause: head coach Kyle Shanahan has "way too much power in the building with personnel."

Cowherd didn't hold back in his assessment, drawing a sharp comparison to one of the NFL's most decorated—yet flawed—figures. "Kyle Shanahan has so much aptitude as a coach. He is so respected. Half the league uses his schemes," Cowherd explained. "That I think he has way too much power in the building with personnel." While acknowledging the 49ers have struck gold with late-round finds like George Kittle and Brock Purdy, Cowherd argued that the team's early-round picks tell a different story. "They have missed and reached on a lot of first-, second-, and third-round picks," he added.

The sports commentator likened Shanahan's draft track record to that of Bill Belichick, the legendary Patriots coach whose on-field genius often masked his draft-day struggles. In contrast, Cowherd pointed to teams like the Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles, where powerful general managers—John Schneider and Howie Roseman, respectively—drive roster construction. For Cowherd, it's no coincidence that those franchises have built sustained success through the draft.

Shanahan has undeniably led the 49ers to multiple playoff runs and Super Bowl appearances, and hits like Deebo Samuel have been game-changers. But as the team looks to maintain its contender status, the question lingers: is too much power in one coach's hands holding them back from building a dynasty through the draft?