Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman of ESPN's First Take have different predictions on who will start at quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers during the upcoming season. Kellerman often defends Jimmy Garoppolo against Smith's criticisms, so you might naturally assume that Kellerman would predict that San Francisco would avoid shaking things up. You might also assume that the critical Smith predicts that the 49ers move on from Garoppolo.
The opposite is true. Smith envisions San Francisco sticking with Garoppolo while Kellerman has another quarterback in mind to lead head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense.
"Me personally, I think it's going to be Jimmy G (as the 49ers' starter)," Smith declared. "That's what I believe. I believe that everybody's been talking about these other folks. The reality of the situation is that it comes down to what Max has said on numerous occasions. When [Garoppolo is] in the lineup, the San Francisco 49ers win football games. I think they're [24-9] with Jimmy G as a starter. I think that's what we're looking at here."
Smith's prediction takes Garoppolo's career 67.5 completion percentage and teammates like tight end George Kittle and cornerback Richard Sherman expressing unwavering belief in the quarterback into account.
"They believe in this guy," Smith added. "They believe, when he's healthy, he's an incredible asset to the franchise. ... [The 49ers] believe in Jimmy G. So, why go in a different direction when they've already been to a Super Bowl with this guy? I think that's their mentality, and I think as a result of that, they hold onto him and they give him a chance to move the franchise forward."
While Garoppolo has to be the odds-on favorite to be the 49ers' starting quarterback come Week 1, Kellerman has a different name in mind. No, it's not Deshaun Watson. However, he does believe that San Francisco inquiring about other quarterbacks this offseason shows that team decision-makers are at least pondering an upgrade.
"Clearly, they think they can do better," explained Kellerman. "It's out there too often. And where I look at is Atlanta because I know they would take an enormous cap hit. I mean, they'd have to restructure something with Matt Ryan. But that team should be rebuilding, and (owner) Arthur Blank has said that Matt Ryan's going to have a voice in what happens in his future. And Shanahan is there in San Francisco, where they are loaded.
"And Jimmy G is doing a good job, but maybe they feel, like the Rams felt with (Jared) Goff, they can find someone who can do a better job. Matt Ryan, maybe not what he once was — maybe they feel he's not what he once was — but maybe Shanahan looks at Matt Ryan and says, 'No, you give me that guy on this team, we've got a defense too, we're going to be just fine. We can make a Super Bowl run.'"
Albert Breer shares a detail from Justin Fields' pro day that may have impressed Shanahan and the 49ers
By David Bonilla
Apr 15, 2021
Justin Fields took part in a workout this week in Columbus, Ohio, in front of potential suitors, including head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch of the San Francisco 49ers. That has caused the former Buckeye's stock to rise, and he is now the favorite to be drafted at No. 3 overall by the Niners.
It was Fields' second pro day-style workout. His first took place on March 30. However, Shanahan and Lynch were not in attendance for that one. Wednesday's workout gave the 49ers' brain trust its first opportunity to watch the incoming rookie quarterback.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated believes there is at least one aspect of the
Rapoport confirms 49ers' Shanahan and Lynch will attend 2nd pro days of Justin Fields and Trey Lance
By David Bonilla
Apr 12, 2021
Peter King of NBC Sports was the first to report that San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch would be in attendance for the second pro days of both Justin Fields of Ohio State and Trey Lance of North Dakota State.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media confirmed that report this morning.
#OSU QB Justin Fields has his second Pro Day on Wednesday and
Pelissero: Justin Fields and Trey Lance pro days to feature drills and throws from 49ers practices
By David Bonilla
Apr 12, 2021
Justin Fields of Ohio State will hold a second pro day workout on Wednesday. Five days later, Trey Lance of North Dakota State will take part in his second. Both are trying to ensure that they are selected ahead of Mac Jones of Alabama.
Trevor Lawrence of Clemson is expected to be drafted No. 1 overall. The New York Jets are expected to select Zach Wilson of BYU at No. 2. Assuming San Francisco targets a quarterback, that leaves Jones, Fields, and Lance as San Francisco's choices at No. 3.
Jones is the overwhelming favorite to be the pick if you ask members of the national media. Fans would much prefer the more athletic and higher ceilinged prospects in Fields or Lance.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch chose to attend Jones'
Fantasy Football Alert: Kyle Juszczyk says 49ers have 'big plans' for Raheem Mostert
By David Bonilla
Apr 13, 2021
Injuries limited San Francisco 49ers running back Raheem Mostert to eight games last season. Of course, injuries devastated the entire roster, resulting in a disappointing six-win campaign. Some better luck on the injury front could result in a quick turnaround for Mostert and his Niners. That's what recently re-signed fullback Kyle Juszczyk expects.
In fact, the 49ers' offensive weapon expects big things in 2021 for his running back teammate. Much of that has to do with play-caller Kyle Shanahan and how the head coach takes advantage of each player's strengths. Juszczyk used wide receiver Deebo Samuel as an example. In each game, Shanahan installs two or three plays that can take advantage of the young wideout's physicality.
"He knows that he just needs to get
