San Francisco 49ers draft Trey Lance: Grade, reaction and more

Apr 29, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Trey Lance (North Dakota State) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the San Francisco 49ers as the number three overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft at First Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

The San Francisco 49ers added Trey Lance, in hopes he developed into one of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks, with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft

The San Francisco 49ers, after trading up to the No. 3 overall pick, added North Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance, who they believe has the potential to be a franchise quarterback and one of the NFL’s premier passers.

Despite playing only one game last season, due to COVID-19, Lance soared up draft boards this offseason, particularly after a dynamic pro day workout performance where he flashed plus-arm strength and accuracy.

Lance, 6-foot-4 and 226 pounds, completed 65.4 percent of his passes for 2,947 yards and 30 touchdowns to just nine interceptions.

During his time at North Dakota State, Lance appeared to be the type of quarterback who could thrive in head coach Kyle Shannahan’s system, especially because of his ability to push the ball deep downfield, particularly off schedule and outside the pocket.

In addition to his arm-strength, Lance also adds plus-mobility from the quarterback position. Lance rushed for 1,100 yards and 14 touchdowns in his lone full season as a starting quarterback.

When it comes to scheme fit and skill-set, there might not have been a better match for the San Francisco 49ers than Lance, especially compared to Ohio State’s Justin Fields and Alabama’s Mac Jones, who were reportedly in the mix at this selection.

Lance now arrives in an offense with plenty of playmakers in the passing game, including All-Pro tight end George Kittle and young receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk.

49ers general manager John Lynch and Shanahan are betting that Lance’s arm-strength will improve, but his mobility and ability to push the ball downfield quickly to the playmakers give plenty of reason for optimism.

Of the remaining quarterbacks on the board, after the Jacksonville Jaguars chose Trevor Lawrence and the New York Jets took Zach Wilson, Lance was an ideal fit for the 49ers.

Grade: B+

Matt Lombardo is the site expert for GMenHQ, and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday for FanSided. Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattLombardoNFL

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