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2021 NFL Draft: Grading every first-round pick after rookie year

By Randy Gurzi

Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports /
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2021 NFL Draft
Jan 2, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (5) looks to throw a pass against the Houston Texans in the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Grading every rookie from the 2021 NFL Draft: Trey Lance, QB, San Francisco 49ers

2021 stats:

  • 603 passing yards
  • 5 TDs, 2 INTs
  • 57.7 completion percentage
  • 97.3 passer rating
  • 168 Yards Rushing
  • 1 rushing TD

Three picks in a row were quarterbacks in the 2021 NFL Draft which could be a stark contrast from what we see this season where there might not even be a single signal-caller taken in the top-10. Here, the San Francisco 49ers took Trey Lance from North Dakota State third overall but the plan was never for him to play a lot as a rookie.

Lance had very little experience with the Bison and played against lesser competition. Even so, he had all the tools to be a star and San Francisco was in a great position as they could start Jimmy Garoppolo and give Lance time to develop his skills.

Garoppolo did take them to the NFC Championship Game and they nearly made it to the Super Bowl. However, the belief is that they will now turn to Lance even though Garoppolo is still on the team.

During his rookie campaign, Lance appeared in six games and threw 71 passes, completing 41 of them. He did have a few nice plays including a touchdown pass on the very first attempt of his NFL career.

Lance did what was expected as a rookie but will still need to prove he can be the guy long-term before this pick can truly be graded. For now, it’s passable but encouraging.

Grade: C+

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