Which QB should the 49ers take in the draft?

 The 49ers traded up to the number 3 overall pick in next month’s NFL draft. This move obviously signals that they plan to take a quarterback. In this QB class, there are some great options in what is seen as the best QB draft in a long time. 

In many eyes, there are three options the 49ers have with that pick. Those being Justin Fields, Trey Lance and Mac Jones. A fourth option in Zach Wilson is possible but not likely. I will look into him too just in case. The only one truly not in play is Trevor Lawrence. I’m going to look into the the four and consider their pros and cons and how well they’d fit the 49ers. Then after it all, I’ll reveal which one I think they ultimately take. 

BYU QB Zach Wilson:

This one is super unlikely unless the Jets either pass on him or the 49ers move up one more spot with the Jets to select him. Shanahan has long liked him it seems so it’s possible he’s a guy they want but they also know trading up to 3 isn’t enough to get him so maybe he’s not the guy they are eyeing. 

He’s very talented though. He has the best pure arm talent in this class in my opinion. He can make some impossible throws, similar to Mahomes. He’s not as talented as Mahomes (who is), but he’s also not as raw. He’d start right away in the NFL unlike Mahomes. 

The knock on him is the level of competition he faced in college. I don’t think that’s a problem. You scout the players, not the teams. Plenty of players have come from smaller schools that don’t face high level competition and they do great in the NFL. The last big BYU QB worked out fine I’d say (Steve Young). 

If by some miracle he’d fall to 3, the 49ers would take him I’m sure. I don’t see that scenario playing out. 

Ohio State QB Justin Fields:

Justin Fields is definitely the guy on this list with the most notoriety. A former top HS recruit that went to Georgia before transferring after theft decided to give the reigns to Jake Fromm (bad mistake). He wound up at Ohio State and tore it up. He even willed his team to a championship this past season despite an awful rib injury suffered against Clemson in the semifinals. 

I love Fields. There are reasons for this. He runs really fast and throws a beautiful ball that is highly accurate to all parts of the field. He can make all the plays scripted and unscripted. Reminds me so much of Watson. 

It’s not all good for him though. He certainly has flaws (every player does). His inability to read defenses well is a big weak point. He also can occasionally hold the ball too long. He also has a very slow release that is a windup and whip type. Shanahan might not like that considering he has always valued the quick passing game and guys who have a quick release. He’s probably also the least ready out of the group of top 5 guys in this class. Maybe that’s okay for the 49ers, maybe it isn’t. 

North Dakota State QB Trey Lance:

Lance is interesting since his experience of starting at the college level is the least out of these guys. His season not really happening this year really hurt. This was a guy that was seen as possibly the top projected pick in this draft a year ago. Obviously things changed and him not playing this season was a big part of it. 

But at 20 years old, I’m very impressed with him. He already runs pro-level concepts at his age and even called his own protections in college. He has very high football IQ and can absorb info quickly and make it happen. His feel for play action and bootlegs is also pro-level. His arm is really good to boot. He can make the tough throws you need. He also has the ability to run about as well as Lamar Jackson. He has Josh Allen’s arm with Lamar Jackson’s legs in my opinion. He’s a monster. There is nobody quite like him in the NFL currently. 

He’s very gifted physically and athletically. At his age and with his relative lack of experience, many would say he’s not a day 1 starter. I actually kind of disagree. As I said, he does pro-level things already despite only turning 21 in May. His ability to absorb and work through information quickly means he can learn an NFL offense very quickly. Much quicker than most anyone else could. The notion that he is raw and might need a year or two might be somewhat off-base. These abilities he possesses might give Shanahan a chance to start him right away, despite his complex offense that usually would take longer to get. 

Alabama QB Mac Jones:

Mac Jones had an incredible season at Alabama. His meteoric rise lands him a good chance to be a top 10 pick. 

Despite not being particularly athletic, he throws a good ball that is accurate and always on time. The rhythm in his game and his crisp arm reminds many of Brady. The difference between him and Brady, at least to me, is that Jones was kind of elevated by having an insanely good supporting cast around him at Alabama. Great offensive line, great playmakers. He had it all. The issue many have with him is whether or not he’s able to elevate others, which is kind of what a QB needs to do these days. 

I personally do not believe the 49ers made the move up for Jones. He’s a game manager type that can run in the system. Sounds like a typical Shanahan type like Ryan, Schaub, Cousins and Garoppolo but I don’t think you move up this high for another one. He has had those types. If he wanted it again, he’d find one another way or stick with Garoppolo. Also important to note that Sean McVay, who comes from the same coaching tree, just moved on from Goff, who is very similar to Jones as well. I think Shanahan wants more from the position than what Jones provides. 

Now, who do I think the 49ers pick? I think it’s Lance. It makes the most sense. He’s a big, physical QB and Shanahan likes that type. His feel for play action and bootlegs is just what the offense calls for. His reads of defenses and pre-snap knowledge is also huge in the offense. His quick release and accuracy of his throws is something Shanahan really desires. His football smarts and ability to learn and do quickly is just what Shanahan wants in a guy for his complex offense too. Shanahan expects a ton from his QBs in that regard. Lance can definitely handle it. Lance can do the things that Shanahan wants in his offense but also provide a lot extra that could take the offense to new heights. The offense wouldn’t be re-made for him. Just enhanced. He checks all the boxes for the 49ers.