The San Francisco 49ers have apparently decided on their guy in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Adam Schefter of ESPN (h/t NFL Update) reported Wednesday the 49ers have made a decision as to who they will select with the third overall pick in Thursday's rookie selection.
The #49ers have made a decision on what they'll do tomorrow night at No. 3 overall, per @AdamSchefter. They're keeping it close to the vest.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 28, 2021
So, will it be Mac Jones or Trey Lance? Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Sunday the “belief” was that the 49ers had narrowed the decision-making process to Jones or Lance.
As the #49ers close in on their decision of which QB to take at No. 3, sources say they are down to two prospects — and the belief is those two are #Bama QB Mac Jones and #NDSU QB Trey Lance. Several sources say the focus does appear to have shifted to those two.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 26, 2021
Early indications were the 49ers traded up nine spots to No. 3 in the NFL Draft with a very specific guy in mind. There were numerous reports suggesting that guy was Jones, who is considered by some to be an ideal fit in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offensive system.
But things have gotten more complicated in recent weeks. The 49ers played a role in devising Lance's individual workout. The North Dakota State quarterback even worked with a Shanahan confidant ahead of the workout.
🧵 I am told the 49ers are extremely involved in the Trey Lance workout scheduled for Monday. Lance, who works with QB coach Quincy Avery, spent the past couple of weeks working with QB coach John Beck. Kyle Shanahan coached Beck in Washington a decade ago and trusts his opinion.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) April 19, 2021
I’m told Lance went to work with Beck at Shanahan’s request, and that the Niners’ coaching staff gave Beck a list of drills they wanted Lance to work on ahead of Monday’s workout. Effectively, the 49ers designed the workout and will have a hand in administering it.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) April 19, 2021
Just three days later, Rich Eisen reported the 49ers were angling towards taking Lance.
Just eight days from the start of the #NFLDraft, @richeisen is now hearing THIS GUY is who the #49ers are targeting 3rd overall…. oh baby:#NFL #NFLDraft @NDSUfootball pic.twitter.com/mvtun9M8Ne
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) April 21, 2021
Of course, pre-draft smokescreens are very real. Rumors have been flying all over the place even in just the last three days alone. This is all to say only the 49ers and Shanahan know who they will be drafting in Thursday's NFL Draft.
Jones and Lance offer different skill sets. The Alabama star is thought of as an efficient passer who can make pre-snap reads and has a strong football IQ. Meanwhile, Lance has also drawn positive reviews for his knowledge of the game and can be a dynamic playmaker with his ability to take off and run.
The wait is almost over.
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