Ever since their blockbuster trade late last month to acquire the third-overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, most observers have widely assumed that the San Francisco 49ers would take the opportunity to select their next franchise quarterback.
However, which play-caller the Bay Area franchise would ultimately pick has been a matter of debate around the league, with no single QB firmly establishing themselves behind Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson. According to Mike Lombardi of The Athletic, that may no longer be true in the eyes of the Niners' brass.
Appearing on VSiN, the former Cleveland Browns general manager revealed that a consensus had formed around the NFL that Kyle Shanahan and company would select Alabama prospect, Mac Jones, with the third-overall selection on April 29th. (Transcript via Alex Espinoza of Yahoo! Sports)
“I would say 98 percent of the league believes the 49ers are taking Mac Jones,” Lombardi said. “For all the talk about Justin Fields having a great workout, there’s people in the league that don’t think it was a great workout. Maybe those are the people who aren’t drafting a quarterback, but let’s leave Fields out of the conversation for a moment.”
While Jones' deadly accuracy in the pocket was a key factor that drove the Crimson Tide's record-setting offense, the senior's average athletic ability makes him somewhat of a surprise pick over Ohio State's Justin Fields. Not only does Fields display a similar level of accuracy, particularly on throws downfield, but his ability to extend plays and hit receivers on the run mark him as potentially having a higher ceiling than Jones.
However, concerns over whether or not Fields can adapt to the pro game while reading defenses has stymied what has otherwise been positive press from his pro day workout.
If Mike Lombardi is to be believed, that is more than enough to ensure Mac Jones will be the third overall pick in the draft.
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