Trey Lance threw an interception on Wednesday, the second day of mandatory minicamp for the San Francisco 49ers. No one is concerned, though, because the 22-year-old quarterback has looked good otherwise. Wednesday's session also included two deep touchdown passes, one to wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud down the sideline and the other to tight end Jordan Matthews on a seam route down the middle of the field.
According to Cam Inman of Bay Area News Group, Lance finished the day 10-of-14 on his throws, spreading his passes around to his many weapons.
Everyone in Santa Clara has raved about the former No. 3 overall pick. The chatter has been so positive that the national-media skepticism has simmered down in recent weeks.
"I can only say positive things," fullback Kyle Juszczyk told reporters on Wednesday when asked about the young quarterback. "I feel like Trey has done a really good job in really taking on all the different parts in being the QB1. At least for myself, I feel like I've seen improvement on the field as far as his performance. You're seeing a lot of big plays out of there."
Few have doubted Lance's potential. And we won't learn exactly how much he has progressed until he sees some in-game action. Practice is one thing, but everyone anxiously awaits seeing how Lance reacts when a defense puts on some real pressure.
One 49ers veteran is excited for that moment.
"He's taking huge steps in the offseason," tackle Trent Williams said Tuesday. "I can't wait to see how he looks when the live bullets get flying."
Lance has made noticeable advancements in other ways, as well. Teammates have been impressed with how the quarterback has taken command of the huddle this offseason, replacing Jimmy Garoppolo. Williams added that Lance seems "a lot more comfortable" in his role as QB1.
San Francisco's fullback also acknowledged the difference.
"And as a leader, I just feel like he's stepped up," Juszczyk commented. "He's just a very natural leader, a guy people gravitate toward. It's all been good so far."