"I was running routes for him," Rice told NFL Network. "It didn't take me long to really be on the same page with him. He's got that rocket arm, but he's also got that mobility and that vision where he can extend plays and throw the ball downfield.
"I'm sure, with repetitions on the field, the players really just building around him, he's going to have a successful year this year."
After trading up into that spot, San Francisco made Lance the No. 3 overall pick in last year's draft. He started only two games during his rookie 2021 campaign. Lance completed 41 of his 71 pass attempts for 603 yards with five passing touchdowns and two interceptions while adding a rushing touchdown in his six game appearances.
Lance has had his share of doubters this offseason, with many pointing to the youngster's inability to get onto the football field more last season. However, most critics fail to factor in Lance's inexperience even at the collegiate level and the fact that San Francisco had a lot of confidence in veteran starter Jimmy Garoppolo leading the talented roster.
The 49ers made it to the NFC Championship Game last season, falling just short of their second Super Bowl appearance in three years. Most expect Lance to be the team's Week 1 starter during the upcoming season.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
2026 Schedule Tracker: Known 49ers Games Ahead of the Official Release
The NFL will unveil its full 272-game schedule for the 2026 season tonight at 5:00 p.m. PT. As is often the case, several week-by-week matchups have already begun leaking ahead of the official announcement. This tracker compiles those early San Francisco 49ers-related reports... -
49ers 2026 schedule: Here's what it looks like based on leaks
The NFL will officially unveil its full 272-game schedule for the 2026 season tonight at 5:00 p.m. PT. However, as is often the case ahead of the announcement, several matchups have already leaked—including what appears to be the San Francisco 49ers' complete 18-week... -
Full 2026 San Francisco 49ers Schedule Revealed
The NFL unveiled its full 272-game schedule for the 2026 regular season. The season kicks off on Wednesday, September 9, with the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks hosting the opener at Lumen Field. The NFL season will conclude with Super Bowl LXI on February 14,... -
49ers predictions: Analyst projects 2026 wins, stats for Purdy, McCaffrey, and more
ESPN analyst Mike Clay recently released his updated projections for the 2026 NFL season, including several key statistical forecasts for the San Francisco 49ers. Clay projects the NFC West to be one of the league's toughest divisions in 2026. He has the 49ers finishing third...