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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."
Anthony "Spice" Adams to announce 49ers' draft picks in 2nd and 3rd rounds
By Site Staff
Apr 25
NFL Communications has officially announced the "NFL legends and active players" who will announce selections during Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft. Representing the San Francisco 49ers will be former defensive tackle Anthony "Spice" Adams, who spent four seasons with the team and nine in the NFL.
San Francisco selected Adams out of Penn State in the second round (No. 57 overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft.
The NFL's full announcement is below.
In the NFL's continuous effort to connect the game's greats with the next generation of stars, NFL Legends and active players will add to the excitement of the 2024 NFL Draft by announcing various selections and participating in festivities in Detroit.
Pro Football Hall of Famers Isaac
"Thank God for Mr. Irrelevant": John Lynch reflects on 49ers drafting Trey Lance
By David Bonilla
Apr 22
The decision to trade up in the 2021 NFL Draft and select quarterback Trey Lance could have had significant consequences for general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan. With the team lacking first-round picks in the last two drafts due to this move, and Lance no longer on the roster after being traded to the Dallas Cowboys before last season, it's clear the gamble didn't unfold as expected.
Lynch held his annual pre-draft press conference on Monday, reflecting on the decision to take such a big chance on Lance. While such a bold move might have jeopardized jobs elsewhere, Lynch and Shanahan were blessed with some good fortune in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Acknowledging the support of the team's ownership, Lynch stated, "They believe in Kyle and I, and our
The San Francisco 49ers mainly focused on fortifying their defense in free agency, leaving many to believe that the 2024 NFL Draft will be their chance to upgrade the offensive line.
Most mock drafts predict the 49ers will select the best offensive tackle available to bolster the line's weak link—the right side—and potentially provide a succession plan for 35-year-old left tackle Trent Williams.
Pro Football Focus recently examined each team's biggest need heading into the draft's first round and unsurprisingly listed offensive line for the 49ers.
"The 49ers likely won't have the luxury of selecting the top offensive lineman with the 31st pick, but they can still find a quality player to improve a unit that was inconsistent in pass
2024 NFL Draft: Dates, times, TV, streaming, 49ers picks, more
By Site Staff
Apr 24
The San Francisco 49ers possess 10 selections in the 2024 NFL Draft, including the No. 31 overall pick. Notably, the team did not hold selections in the first two rounds last year. Below is essential information regarding the three-day rookie selection process, marking the 89th occurrence in league history.
As always, you can rely on 49ers Webzone for live news and breakdowns from the draft. You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
49ers Draft Picks
Round 1, Pick 31 Overall
Round 2, Pick 63 Overall
Round 3, Pick 94 Overall
Round 4, Pick 124 Overall (via
