With the 2021 NFL Draft just days away, the San Francisco 49ers have reportedly narrowed their options to two talented quarterbacks for the third overall pick.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the 49ers are closing on their decision on which quarterback to take at no.3, with Alabama’s Mac Jones and North Dakota State’s Trey Lance reportedly being their choices.
Jones, who helped the Crimson Tide to a national title last season, has long been rumored to be a target of San Francisco after months of scouting the 22-year-old. In his junior season, Jones completed 77.4 percent of his passes for 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns and four interceptions in 13 games.
Lance has also been rumored to be in the 49ers' sights after impressive workouts even after playing just one exhibition game for the Bison last season.
The 49ers’ top brass, including head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch, has also seen both quarterbacks up close–attending Jones’ second Pro Day last March 30 and Lance’s second Pro Day on April 19.
While Jones and Lance are both talented signal-callers, this report rules out the 49ers drafting Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields at third overall, even if he is also considered as one of the best at the position from their draft class. The first two picks of the draft, meanwhile, will likely be Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence and BYU star Zach Wilson.
There’s no way to know for sure who San Francisco will select as their next quarterback until Draft night, but for now, it seems as if it's a battle between Jones and Lance.