Ranking 5 NFL rookie first-round quarterbacks in preseason debuts

4. Trey Lance, San Francisco 49ers

Most people would likely have Trey Lance higher if they were doing their own rankings. After all, the North Dakota State product the 49ers traded up to No. 3 overall to select had perhaps the most impressive highlight of Week 1 in the NFL preseason:

On that play, we see everything about why everyone in San Francisco — fans, coaches and players alike — is so hyped up about Lance and what he could mean for the offense. That is a professional arm putting it deeper down the field with accuracy than Jimmy Garoppolo could ever hope to. Simply put, it’s a big-time touchdown pass from Lance.

But on the whole, it can’t be overlooked that Lance wasn’t even close to efficient for the rest of the night. The rookie finished the game going 5-of-14 for 128 yards with the one score and no interceptions, meaning he went 4-of-13 for 48 yards outside of the touchdown.

To be sure, Lance didn’t do anything to make anyone doubt him and, in truth, he could’ve been under directions from his coaches to take chances and disregard efficiency, especially considering he ate four sacks and didn’t rush once. But the final numbers somewhat outweight tthe one phenomenal touchdown pass.