It's a foregone conclusion that Zach Wilson is going No. 2 overall to the New York Jets. With Trevor Lawrence a lock to head to the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 1, that leaves the San Francisco 49ers with their choice of Justin Fields, Mac Jones, and Trey Lance.
Many are predicting that the trade up to No. 3 was made for Jones. Others feel that is a massive reach that didn't necessarily require a move into the top 3. ESPN's Dan Graziano warns fans not to overlook Lance as the quarterback of the future in San Francisco.
"All you hear is Mac Jones, Mac Jones to (the) 49ers," Graziano said on ESPN's Get Up! "I mean, that's all over the league, and it could happen. He could be their guy. But conversations that I've had in the last couple of days have led me to think that I can't rule out Trey Lance as a possibility.
"Look, if Jimmy Garoppolo is really going to be on the team this year, which they've said, Lance is the one guy in this group that everybody kind of agrees needs a year, right? Because he hasn't really played much in college; only one game this past year. We've talked about how few throws there are to evaluate of Trey Lance.
"He has the athleticism. He has the size. He has the arm strength. He kind of gives Kyle Shanahan the opportunity to sort of evolve his offense beyond where it's been, and I just don't think we can rule that out, the idea that Kyle has in mind a guy that can take him places the others previously have not been (able)."
Jeff Saturday responded by saying the biggest winner in this draft is whichever quarterback ends up with Shanahan.
"The guy who goes three is going to be in the best position to win and be developed as a quarterback," Saturday said. "When you think about [Kyle] Shanahan and what he does in this system, this guy creates quarterbacks. I liken him to Andy Reid, right? Every time you go in here, he makes the best of his quarterbacks. You saw him take Jimmy Garoppolo to the Super Bowl. You saw him develop this football team. This team is ready to win right now. So, whoever is in that three spot has to be excited about where they are."
Saturday, a former offensive lineman, is noticeably frustrated by the knocks on Fields by draft evaluators. He obviously feels the former Buckeye could thrive with a coach like Shanahan.
"The kid scored [63] touchdowns and had nine interceptions in two years at Ohio State, where he is playing great competition." Saturday passionately declared. "We're going to talk about processing? And by the way, every offensive system in college is developed to take the first read. I lived on a football field for 14 years in the NFL. (Former Colts offensive coordinator) Tom Moore used to scream at Peyton Manning, 'If the first read is there, you take it right now.' Now, we're going to criticize a kid who's taking his first read and doing exactly as he's coached?
"... Justin Fields is fully capable of [processing the game at the NFL level] just like every other quarterback. I think this is absolute garbage, and it's just a way to put a guy (down) and kind of sabotage his draft status. I just don't get on board with it at all."
ESPN analyst weighs in on 49ers potentially drafting a wide receiver
By David Bonilla
Apr 10
The San Francisco 49ers will likely add a rookie wide receiver via the draft, and it has nothing to do with Brandon Aiyuk's current contract situation. Deebo Samuel is about as physical a player as you'll find at the position, so wear and tear, along with his significant salary, has to be a concern. Jauan Jennings is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next year.
The 49ers have tried to address the position recently, drafting Ronnie Bell in the seventh round last year and Danny Gray in the third round in 2022. While it's too early to judge Bell, Gray has played only 87 offensive snaps as a pro. His career stat line is unimpressive, recording only one reception for 10 yards on seven targets.
One ESPN analyst and 49ers fan, Matt Miller, admits to being
If the 49ers draft a wide receiver, don't expect it to be a smaller guy
By Marc Adams
Apr 13
The San Francisco 49ers are in good shape for 2024 when it comes to the wide receiver position. What that room looks like after this coming season remains to be seen. Most believe the 49ers will give Brandon Aiyuk a new contract around the start of training camp. But there are no guarantees. As it was reported on Friday, Aiyuk unfollowed the 49ers on Instagram, much like Deebo Samuel did two years ago.
It seems to be how modern-day players negotiate. It's not necessarily anything to be concerned about, but you never truly know how these things will end. There is still potential that the 49ers could trade the star receiver in the next couple of weeks.
If Aiyuk is extended, it
Kellen Mond will try out during 49ers' local pro day
By David Bonilla
Apr 9
The San Francisco 49ers are set to host their local pro day this Wednesday afternoon, offering numerous draft prospects a prime opportunity to display their skills before the team's coaches, scouts, and front-office personnel.
However, it won't be just draft hopefuls on the field in Santa Clara. According to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, several others, including a former third-round draft pick, quarterback Kellen Mond, will try out for the team.
Maiocco's report also names tight ends Curtis Hodges, Hunter Kampmoyer, and Tommy Sweeney among those expected to attend.
In addition those invited to
49ers local pro day: These 44 players will work out in Santa Clara
By David Bonilla
Apr 10
The San Francisco 49ers are holding their local pro day today at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara. The team has released the full roster of participants.
An NFL local pro day is an event hosted by teams to allow prospects with ties to the local area to showcase their skills in front of team personnel. These prospects typically hail from nearby colleges or have some other connection to the region where the team is based. Head coach Kyle Shanahan, general manager John Lynch, and a contingent of coaches, executives, and scouts will be on hand to evaluate prospective draftees during the 49ers' local pro day.
The event aims to give the team a closer look at these local talents who may have received less attention during the regular scouting process. It will allow the
