49ers select Trey Lance with No. 3 pick in 2021 draft
The San Francisco 49ers selected quarterback Trey Lance out of North Dakota State third overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.
The No. 3 pick was a topic of rampant speculation after the 49ers traded the 12th overall pick and two future first-round selections to the Miami Dolphins for the pick earlier this offseason. San Francisco reportedly narrowed its choices to Lance and Mac Jones before deciding to go with the former.
"We've been very high on Trey since the beginning, Day 1," 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said following the selection, according to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle.
Lance was on San Francisco's radar throughout the pre-draft process. The club was reportedly extremely involved in his pro-day workouts earlier in April. The North Dakota State product last competed in an exhibition game against Central Arkansas in 2020 but impressed during the 2019 campaign, throwing 28 touchdowns and no interceptions.
The 49ers now have a quarterback room consisting of Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo. The latter's future was called into question after Shanahan declined to guarantee his roster spot earlier this week. After the Lance selection, the head coach clarified that he expects the 49ers to retain Garoppolo, according to The Athletic's David Lombardi.
Draft profile
Key stats (2019): 66.9 completion percentage, 2,786 passing yards, 28 TDs, 0 INTs, 14 rushing TDs
One of the most intriguing and naturally gifted prospects in the entire 2021 class, Lance's projection is also among the most complicated. While raw, his unique tools (arm talent and athleticism) make him perfect for the modern game as he's also a legitimate weapon with his legs. Lance is already advanced at avoiding rushers in the pocket and displays excellent touch on deep passes, but you won't find many anticipatory throws on tape. The dual-threat quarterback was usually the best player on the field in college, and his experience going through multiple progressions is scarce as a result. Still just 20 years old with one full year of experience at the FCS level, Lance comes with his fair share of risk. However, the potential reward is even higher.
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