Longtime draft analyst Matt Miller is convinced the San Francisco 49ers traded at No.3 in Alabama quarterback Mac Jones’ pick, and it doesn’t look like it very happy. He grew up as a Niners fan, and the idea that his favorite NFL team might pick Jones over Ohio State’s Justin Fields bothers him on two fronts – as a fan and an analyst.

“As a lifelong Niners fan, that’s such a punch to the stomach,” Miller said on the And the Patrick Show. “I try to trust (general manager) John Lynch and (head coach) Kyle Shanahan, but I remember when they said they didn’t need a quarterback and that they passed over Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson only to take CJ Beathard in the third round.

“I’m still a little shy about trusting this front office. It sounds like something they would do. They would think about it again, just like trading for Solomon Thomas or drafting Reuben Foster in the first round. like this front office is sometimes a little too cute. “

The other question surrounding the trade – assuming Jones is the target – involves the jump to # 3. Was it necessary?

“They didn’t have to go three, Dan,” Miller explained. “I don’t think they did. Now maybe seven. Maybe six, which we’ve already seen that pick being traded. But I don’t think you have to go from 12 to three to get Mac Jones.

“I don’t think the Atlanta Falcons [were going to select him]. … I feel like the Falcons would be all-in on Justin Fields, who’s a local kid, Trey Lance, who has great athleticism, throws a nice deep ball – if they even become a quarterback.

“The Bengals don’t draft a quarterback at five. The Eagles won’t draft at six. The Niners had other options. My hope and my prayer, as someone who is still a bit of a 49ers fan, is that [this] is a gesture for Justin Fields. And I would say that even as an impartial reviewer. “

Shanahan and Lynch were both in attendance for Jones’ Professional Day at Tuscaloosa on Tuesday. 49ers assistant general manager Adam Peters was in attendance at Fields’ training in Columbus, which took place the same day. Shanahan and Lynch plan to hold separate practice for Fields later so the duo can watch it in person.