I wouldn’t advise the 49ers to write a quarterback with pick number 3 in the next draft. But if they take a quarterback, they’ll probably choose between three imperfects: Mac Jones, Justin Fields and Trey Lance.
Jones is the pocket quarterback with exceptional accuracy, expectation and decision making, but he is not an athlete. Not big, not fast, not strong. Looks like CJ Beathard. But he can execute the 49ers ’offense if all goes according to plan.
Fields is the double-threat quarterback with exceptional athleticism and accuracy, a rare combination, but not a good decision maker. He hesitates in his pocket, keeps the ball too long and spins the ball when it is under pressure. But he can execute the 49ers ’offense if all goes according to plan.
Lance is the double-threat quarterback with exceptional athleticism and decision-making – he called protections and route combinations on the battle line when he was 19 and never billed in college. But it is imprecise. So can he execute the 49ers ’offense even if everything goes as planned, or will he miss the open receivers?
It seems that quarterbacks can improve their accuracy with hard work and attention to detail (see Josh Allen). Which means Lance could improve, while the other two quarterbacks could not. Because you can’t turn an adult into a good athlete or a good decision maker if they are no longer those things.
And while Lance only played one college football season, he played on a professional-style offense. So his year of experience may be more valuable than Fields’ two years of experience at Ohio State, which is no offense to style and has never produced a good NFL quarterback. .
Lance could be better prepared than Fields. Lance has demonstrated the ability to think for himself on the field at a high level, unlike most college quarterbacks. And if he improves his accuracy, he will be able to execute the 49ers’ offense when everything goes according to plan, and to make athletic and intelligent plays when things break down.
Don’t be surprised if the 49ers surprise everyone and catch Lance.