N※N

Revisiting Mac Jones' draft: Why 49ers passed on current backup QB for Trey Lance in 2021 | Sporting News

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. kup-qb-for-trey-lance-in-2021-sporting-news.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, September 14th 2025 at 7:28 GMT by Sporting News
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

The 49ers’ 2021 Draft Dilemma: Why Trey Lance Beat Mac Jones for the Top Pick

When the San Francisco 49ers sat on the fifth‑overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, the spotlight was on one of the most debated quarterback prospects: Mac Jones, the 2020 Heisman‑winner‑contender who had just finished a stellar senior campaign at Alabama. Yet the franchise opted for a different future‑builder—Trey Lance, the dual‑threat signal‑caller from North Dakota State. The decision sparked conversations across the league, and the Sporting News analysis delves into the factors that tipped the scale in Lance’s favor and what it meant for the 49ers’ quarterback landscape.

1. The 49ers’ Quarterback Quandary

Under head coach Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers had been operating with a “no‑question” quarterback approach: Jimmy Garoppolo had been the starter for three seasons, but the team was clear it needed a younger, long‑term option to pair with a high‑tempo, play‑calling offense. Shanahan’s scheme rewards mobility, quick decision‑making, and the ability to extend plays—attributes that made the 49ers’ quarterback hunt a high priority.

The 2021 draft board, therefore, was weighted heavily toward evaluating which of the top prospects could fit that mold. In addition to the quarterbacks, the team also had a list of tight ends, defensive linemen, and skill‑position players, but the ultimate decision would be hinged on who could be the next franchise quarterback.

2. Mac Jones: A Precise Pocket Passer

Mac Jones was widely viewed as a “pure” pocket passer. The Alabama product’s college résumé was studded with first‑round passes, a razor‑sharp decision tree, and a penchant for reading complex defensive looks. His senior season was highlighted by a 30‑point, 400‑yard performance in the 2021 College Football Playoff, and he finished second in Heisman voting.

Despite his cerebral strengths, scouts noted certain limitations that could translate to the NFL: a relatively short arm, a lack of athleticism that might hinder the ability to escape pressure, and limited experience in a pro‑style offensive system. For a franchise like the 49ers that prized mobility and the ability to improvise, those gaps were a red flag. According to the draft profile on SportingNews, the consensus was that Jones might be better suited for a more traditional, pocket‑centric offense—something the Patriots eventually embraced by selecting him with the second overall pick.

3. Trey Lance: The Athletic Upside

Trey Lance arrived from North Dakota State with a different skill set. He was a dynamic runner, capable of scrambling for yardage in the pocket, and he possessed a decent arm for a “dual‑threat” quarterback. The 49ers had seen Lance’s 2021 spring performances where he showcased both passing and rushing talents. According to the 49ers’ internal draft board, Lance’s athletic profile and ability to extend plays aligned with Shanahan’s high‑tempo offense.

However, Lance’s college play was largely in a simpler West Virginia‑style scheme, raising questions about his readiness for the NFL’s speed and complexity. Moreover, concerns about his passing accuracy and decision‑making in tight spaces persisted. The Sporting News article references a “comprehensive evaluation” from the 49ers’ coaching staff that weighed these variables heavily, ultimately concluding that Lance’s upside as a play‑maker was worth the developmental risk.

4. The Decision‑Making Process

The 49ers’ front office, led by GM Jed York, conducted a “sweeping” of all available data, combining traditional scouting, advanced metrics, and scenario‑based analysis. In the days leading up to the draft, the team ran a series of “What‑If” simulations where they projected each quarterback’s trajectory over a five‑year span. The simulation for Lance showed a steep learning curve but a potential for explosive upside, whereas Jones’s projection indicated a more gradual but steadier climb.

York himself later recounted in a post‑draft interview that the choice was about “balance.” The team wanted to build a young core that could thrive in a modern, high‑speed offense. While Jones had proven himself at the collegiate level, the 49ers felt Lance’s athletic profile offered a better fit for the system they were building.

5. The Draft Outcome and Immediate Aftermath

In a headline‑making moment, the 49ers used the fifth overall pick to select Trey Lance. The decision was met with a mix of excitement and skepticism. Many pundits wondered if the franchise would eventually trade Lance for an established veteran, while others saw him as the next in line to replace Garoppolo.

Shortly after the draft, the 49ers signed Lance to a four‑year rookie contract, and the coaching staff began a “developmental” pipeline. Meanwhile, Mac Jones was selected by the Patriots, who celebrated his arrival with an immediate start and a focus on his pocket‑passing strengths. The Patriots’ rookie season underscored Jones’s ability to adapt to an NFL system, providing a contrast to the 49ers’ cautious approach with Lance.

6. Reflections and What Lies Ahead

The Sporting News article uses the 2021 draft as a case study in how a team’s strategic priorities shape its choices. By opting for Trey Lance, the 49ers demonstrated a commitment to a more physically dynamic quarterback who could fit into their fast‑paced offense. Meanwhile, the Patriots’ selection of Mac Jones highlights an alternate philosophy that prioritizes precision over athleticism.

The next chapters of both quarterbacks’ careers will continue to test these philosophies. While Lance has faced injuries and a steeper learning curve, he remains a central piece in the 49ers’ long‑term vision. Jones, meanwhile, has proven himself as a reliable starter in a different system. For fans and analysts, the 2021 draft choice remains a pivotal moment that illustrates how the same talent can be valued differently depending on a team’s playbook and culture.