Analyst on 49ers’ draft options: ‘John Lynch wants Trey Lance’

Analyst and writer Michael Detillier, who contributes to several media outlets, joined the BetQL Daily podcast on Thursday and discussed the San Francisco 49ers' upcoming quarterback decision in next week's draft. Detillier recalls the day the team moved up nine spots from No. 12 overall to get into a position to acquire one of the top young talents. He was getting ready to publish his mock draft and needed to make some changes as it was headed to print due to the trade.

While the national narrative quickly linked Mac Jones of Alabama to the 49ers, Detillier heard that general manager John Lynch had his sights set on a different prospect. Whether or not head coach Kyle Shanahan felt the same way is unknown.

"When I went to print was the day of the trade," Detillier said. "I had been told by a source that I trust immensely, who covers the 49ers, he told me, point-blank, John Lynch wants Trey Lance. So, that's what I went with because I had to redo the first-round because of it. So that's where I went with it."

Jones is currently the betting favorite to be the No. 3 overall pick. He is followed by Justin Fields of Ohio State and then Lance of North Dakota State.

Also, nearly a month has passed since the trade. Shanahan and Lynch have now seen all three prospects work out in person. The analyst and writer still believes that Lance will end up in San Francisco.

Added Detillier: "Now, this has swung to Mac Jones, and [they attended] Justin Fields' pro day, and Trey Lance's pro day. In the end, I think it's Trey Lance."

In one week, we'll find out what the 49ers ultimately decide to do. The 2021 NFL Draft begins on Thursday, April 29.