2017 NFL mock draft: Mitch Trubisky heads west

Sep 19, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Budda Baker (32) warms-up before the start of a game against the Utah State Aggies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Budda Baker (32) warms-up before the start of a game against the Utah State Aggies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mitch Trubisky, 201 NFL Draft
Sep 24, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) passes the ball during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mitch Trubisky

QB, UNC

The odds are that Colin Kaepernick is going to opt out of his contract, leaving the San Francisco 49ers with a hole at quarterback. Even with Kaepernick on the roster, the quarterback position is a weakness, so that is the area the team will likely draft in April. The organization has a new head coach and general manager, who will be looking to bring in their own long-term answer at the position.

This past season, Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan did a wonderful job with Matt Ryan, which in turn led to Ryan winning his first NFL MVP Award. Shanahan can definitely coach quarterbacks, and he will be expected to do so if the team goes with a first-year starter next season. Both general manager John Lynch and Shanahan have six-year deals, so it would be wise for them to get somebody they can develop into a franchise player.

Mitch Trubisky started only one season for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, but he did enough in that one season to warrant his spot in the first round. He has all the abilities to be a big-time player at the next level, and with the 49ers, he would be given the opportunities to make mistakes early on. Nobody expects this team to be good for at least two years, and by that time, Trubisky should have rounded himself into a legitimate NFL quarterback.