Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
49ers fans won't find out for sure who their team will be taking at pick three in the 2021 NFL Draft until just after the first round begins on 5 p.m. PT on Thursday. Regardless, NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport believes there is currently a frontrunner for the distinction and that many around the league would be surprised if that frontrunner doesn't turn out to be former Alabama quarterback Mac Jones.
Rapoport spoke recently about what he's hearing regarding pick three with 49ers senior reporter Keiana Martin. Among the tidbits he shared was his belief that a frontrunner exists and that the team would like to make sure everyone in the building is happy with the pick before making the final call.
"My understanding was there was a leader in the clubhouse and this process has been about making absolutely sure everyone is consistently on board with 'This is the guy,'" Rapoport said. "So they really should know probably pretty surely 'Is this the guy?' I think what the 49ers are going to spend the next (few) days doing is getting 100 percent sure."
Later in the interview, Rapoport told Martin that the common opinion around the league is that Jones will be the pick.
"Based on the people I'm speaking with, the other NFL teams right around that spot, the teams who think they know, I would say most people believe Mac Jones is the guy mostly because he's got a photographic memory and the Shanahan love for Mac Jones has not exactly been hidden," Rapoport said. "If they take someone else it would be a nice surprise, I think a surprise to a lot of people. But it certainly does seem like publicly, Mac Jones is the guy that many people believe the 49ers should take."
Whether it's Jones, Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields, or North Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance, Rapoport believes the 49ers will need to pick someone who can handle the complexities that come with playing for 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan.
"You can talk about different characteristics, 40 time and mobility and everything -- finding someone who is extremely smart, with a great mind, someone who can match Kyle's wits I think is essential to this quarterback pick regardless to what other physical attributes there are," Rapoport said.
Rapoport also dove into what happened at Lance's recent pro day, while also touching on what needs (if any) the 49ers should address in the later rounds of the draft. Watch the full interview below:
Rapoport: 49ers send clear message to teams inquiring about Brandon Aiyuk
By David Bonilla
Apr 16
Ian Rapoport didn't offer much of an update on the ongoing contract negotiations between the San Francisco 49ers and their standout wide receiver, Brandon Aiyuk. However, the NFL insider emphasized one thing: The team is not entertaining trade discussions at this juncture.
Reacting to Aiyuk's decision to unfollow the 49ers on Instagram, Rapoport couldn't help but chuckle at the latest development. This practice has become commonplace among players who are unhappy with their contract situations. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel similarly took this action in 2022 before requesting to be traded just before the draft.
Things have yet to escalate that far with Aiyuk, but Rapoport sees his
49ers insider: I would be surprised if Brandon Aiyuk isn't signed to a new deal
By David Bonilla
Apr 11
As expected, the most significant storyline surrounding the San Francisco 49ers this offseason revolves around the contract negotiations with star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. There hasn't been much official chatter on that front aside from general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan assuring reporters that every effort is being made to retain Aiyuk.
That hasn't stopped the rampant speculation from the media, with reports of interest from teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars and Pittsburgh Steelers, as well as former teammate
49ers sign WR Trent Taylor, reuniting with former draft pick
By David Bonilla
Apr 16
The San Francisco 49ers announced the signing of wide receiver Trent Taylor to a one-year deal, reuniting with the team's former fifth-round draft pick out of Louisiana Tech.
Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area was the first to report that the 49ers were discussing a potential reunion with Taylor. The receiver was part of head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch's first draft class in 2017 and spent his first four NFL seasons with the team.
The #49ers are talking with free-agent slot receiver/return man
Tom Brady 'not opposed' to NFL return with a playoff-bound team like the 49ers
By David Bonilla
Apr 11
Just when you thought the San Francisco 49ers and Tom Brady storylines had concluded, the future Hall of Fame quarterback drops another tidbit that sparks discussion. During an episode of "DeepCut with VicBlends," the host asked Brady what he would do if the NFL came calling once again.
VicBlends inquired if Brady would consider returning to the football field if a playoff-bound team like the 49ers needed him.
"I'm not opposed to it," Brady said, per Jordan Mendoza of USA Today. "I don't know if they're gonna let me if I become an owner an NFL team. I don't know, I'm always gonna be in good shape, always be able to
