The San Francisco 49ers paid a high price for Trey Lance, but he has the highest ceiling of all rookie quarterbacks, given his current situation.
When the San Francisco 49ers chose Trey Lance in the NFL Draft months after trading a haul of draft picks to move up the board, they sent a clear message. The franchise had the belief that given their current roster and needing just a bit more from the quarterback position; they had to make a move.
Also, there was absolutely no way San Francisco would be able to move up to No. 1 or 2 with Jacksonville and the Jets, respectively. As such, they went up to the third pick and took Lance. Now, after a few preseason games, Lance has had the opportunity to show what he can do. Preseason or not that is what this time is for, and judging by the results, Lance has shown that he has the highest ceiling of all rookie quarterbacks from this draft.
This preseason he’s had his moments, notably an 80-yard touchdown pass against Kansas City. Lance also had two scores against the Chargers. But it’s the preseason. Still, he’s shown that when he’s on point, the 49ers offense gets another weapon for its arsenal.
Trey Lance is a boom or bust prospect but has the highest ceiling of all rookie quarterbacks.
Trey Lance may have the highest ceiling, but it’s also one of the biggest risks taken by the 49ers in some time. If the investment does not work out for San Francisco, the decision to trade so many draft picks will not look pleasant in the Bay Area.
On the flip side, given his physical traits, it’s likely that it won’t be the case, given how head coach Kyle Shanahan plans to incorporate him in his offense scheme, commonly known as the West-Coast system. Moreover, Jimmy Garoppolo, for all that he has endured, did take the franchise to the Super Bowl, so having the opportunity to learn from that and be better isn’t such a bad idea.
Trevor Lawrence is expected to resurrect the Jaguars, and Zach Wilson will be hailed as potentially the next Jets savior; meanwhile, both Chicago and New England, who also took a signal-caller in the first round, drafted Justin Fields and Mac Jones to help shift their fortunes. As for Lance, he just has to help the 49ers build upon their success and return to contention. A tough task, but very doable.