Last week, ESPN analyst Rob Ninkovich looked at the 2021 rookie quarterback class and stated he expects Trey Lance to make the "biggest jump" in Year 2. Another ESPN analyst, Sam Acho, agrees with that prediction.
Why is Lance the best second-year quarterback, in Acho's opinion? It's because of the weapons around him. The 22-year-old quarterback will have wide receiver Deebo Samuel (assuming the offseason rift can be mended) and tight end George Kittle at his disposal.
"Yes, there was a reason Zach Wilson was the second pick overall last year," Acho said. "There's a reason Trey Lance was third, right? Because he's that good as well."
More critical for Lance, though, is the man calling the plays for the young quarterback—head coach Kyle Shanahan.
"Would you rather have Kyle Shanahan calling your plays or would you rather have anybody else?" Acho asked. "Doug Pederson? No. I don't care who it is. I want Kyle Shanahan. He's the best offensive coordinator [and] play-caller in the NFL."
Lance started just two games during his rookie 2021 campaign, completing 57.7 percent of his 71 pass attempts for 603 yards and five touchdowns while rushing for another. He is slated to replace the 49ers' starter of the past four-and-a-half seasons, Jimmy Garoppolo.
"There's no questions with Trey Lance," Acho added. "You have proven winners, a team that's been to the playoffs, that's been to the NFC Championship. He knows what it's like to win. His teammates know what it's like to win."
Acho notes that all of the talk coming out of Santa Clara during the 49ers' offseason program has indicated that Lance has been impressive, contrasting the offseason narrative that the team was unsure of his readiness to start.
"Everyone in San Francisco was saying, 'Man, this guy is the truth,'" Acho said. "... 'We have the entire foundation in place. All of the building blocks have been set. We're just putting a crown on top, adding the athletic ability, the deep ball, and this guy who knows how to win, and putting him in a place to be dominant."