When the San Francisco 49ers traded with the Miami Dolphins prior to the 2021 NFL Draft in order to select QB Trey Lance, it sent shockwaves in personnel circles.
49ers QB Trey Lance Always Viewed as a ‘Project’
Lance, according to a high-ranking NFC personnel executive, was seen as being very talented but also very raw, so it came as a surprise around the NFL that the 49ers gave up significant draft compensation (four picks — a swap of first-round picks, two future first-round picks, and a third-round pick) in order to select him.
“Our (scouting) staff was at his pro day workout (at North Dakota State), and we got a chance to talk with him, be around him. You loved his size, athleticism, good person. But you also knew he was a project, and we were certain that he wouldn’t play for a while,” the personnel executive said.
The 49ers were also linked to QB Mac Jones, who would be selected by the Patriots in the first round (15th overall), but they chose to go with Lance’s upside.
From talking to various scouting sources this week, they seemed to be in agreement in a few areas of Lance’s game:
- Good size for the position (6’4″, 225 pounds)
- Very good arm strength
- Passing mechanics needed major refinement
- Lack of playing experience (only 17 starts)
In other news at the position for San Francisco, veteran QB Sam Darnold, who now will handle the No. 2 spot on the depth chart, signed a one-year, $4.5 million deal with the team back in March. The contract includes $6.5 million with incentives, which are based on playing time, playing performance, and team achievement.
Journeyman QB Brandon Allen would earn a $152,500 roster bonus for being on the game-day roster for the first game of the season against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
