49ers set to do specialized workouts with Justin Fields and Trey Lance

As we knew was coming, the 49ers have set up pro days with top QB prospects Justin Fields and Trey Lance. We knew these were coming and both were confirmed last week. Fields’ will take place April 14 and Lance’s April 19. 

What hasn’t been known until now is the nature of these pro days. They actually function a lot more like private workouts than pro days. Private workouts technically aren’t allowed so this is the closest we’ll get. 

By private workout, two big things stand out. First, there will be no media access to it so no media people, no coverage, nothing. Second, these workouts will actually be specifically for the 49ers. The workouts will be run by 49ers coaches and the players will be asked to do things specific to Shanahan’s offense. They run way deeper than an ordinary pro day. Also, doing work in secret is very 49ers and these appear like they’ll be pretty hidden from view. Just how the 49ers like it.

I actually think this I’d rather significant as it pertains to who they are taking. While many speculate the pick will be Jones, the actions suggest the opposite. The 49ers did not set up this kind of arrangement with Jones but did the other two. It seems weird to not have all three go through this if they are all in serious consideration. Instead, they went to Jones’ pro day and didn’t talk to anyone really and left as soon as possible. I’m willing to bet they’ll stick around awhile for these two other “pro days.” They’ll be gathering info and doing the things you really do when you are seriously considering a player. 

And this isn’t some elaborate smokescreen either nor is it simply due diligence. You don’t commit this kind of effort and time into stuff like this if you aren’t serious about getting the player. Now, they can’t get both Fields and Lance obviously, but it is definitely clear, at least to me, they are the favorites. For as much talk as there is about Jones, I honestly don’t think he’s as much in the actual conversation as people think. If he were, he’d get the same treatment here. He isn’t. Jones appears more than ever to be in the conversation only as a thing to entice the media. In actuality, it doesn’t appear he’s a serious consideration. 

It shouldn’t be lost on anyone that the 49ers appear to be spending the most time and energy on Fields. They sent some top people to Fields’ first pro day to look at him and then still set up a private pro day where they can send everyone they want to look at him too in what will be a Shanahan-based workout. Another sign that it’s leaning heavily towards being Justin Fields, in my opinion. They are also devoting a lot of time and energy for Lance. Far less for Jones. 

At this time of year, the talk will get out of control and there’ll be plenty of false information being spread about who is taking who, especially as it relates to quarterbacks. I think it’s more important to look at certain actions teams take and try to analyze and make a solid conclusion that way instead.