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."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers mailbag: What's the plan on the defensive line? Can DeForest Buckner make a difference? Should SF hold on to their 2027 draft picks?
Well, it didn't take long to shake things up. The biggest story surrounding the San Francisco 49ers so far this week is the trade for DeForest Buckner, bringing the veteran defensive tackle back to the team where he spent the first four seasons of his NFL career. Buckner was a... -
49ers vs. Falcons: 3 biggest threats San Francisco must contain in Week 7
The San Francisco 49ers enter Week 7 preparing for an Atlanta Falcons team with two explosive offensive weapons and an interior defender capable of disrupting the game from the middle. For San Francisco, the challenge starts with running back Bijan Robinson. He drives... -
49ers make stance on Eddy Piñeiro clear after kicking struggles
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters Monday that the team has not discussed bringing in kickers for tryouts. His comments signaled confidence in Eddy Piñeiro and the hope that the struggling kicker can turn things around this season. General... -
John Lynch: 49ers 'won't hesitate' to make a trade that improves the team
The San Francisco 49ers could look to strengthen their roster ahead of the November 10 NFL trade deadline, especially after the Seattle Seahawks acquired All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson from the Indianapolis Colts. General manager John Lynch joined Bay Area radio station KNBR on...