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One month away from the 2021 NFL Draft, most people believe Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson will be the first two players selected, leaving the 49ers to choose between Justin Fields, Mac Jones and Trey Lance at No.3.
Fields entered the college football season as the undisputed No. 2 quarterback in the class behind Lawrence, but he was passed by many scouts and evaluators by Wilson.
That’s not the case with ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., however. On his recent big NFL Draft, Kiper listed Fields as his QB2, followed by Wilson, Jones and then Lance.
“Georgia’s transfer needs to improve in their progress, but it can happen over time,” Kiper said of Fields, who ranks 6th overall. “He’s still young – he’s only started 22 college games. Before the season, I said I wanted to see Fields improve as a decider in the pocket and on off-platform shots, and although he has improved there, he must take a bigger step forward to the next level. “
Fields dazzled on his pro day Tuesday, showing off his incredible arm talent and elite athleticism, both in keeping with how 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said he viewed the quarterback. double threat ideal.
Kiper has Wilson just behind Fields as a No.7 overall prospect, showing how close the race is to being the No.2 overall pick.
“Wilson has a stellar arm and can climb into the pocket to find the wide receiver. He was too inconsistent in 2019, almost reckless, but he was the opposite last season,” Kiper writes of Wilson. “Wilson shows anticipation on the throws. He’s the complete package.”
RELATED: Fields ‘Professional Days’ Jones ‘Comparison, Stats As 49ers’ Pick Looms
Jones presents himself as Kiper’s QB4 and the 12th overall hope of the class. The Alabama signalman held his second professional day on Tuesday and showed his precision and speed in making a decision, as well as his ability to make shots out of the pocket.
“In short: he just keeps getting better. I was so impressed with his deep ball accuracy and ability to stay in the pocket and throw under pressure,” Kiper writes of Jones. “… Yes, he had elite playmakers around him, but I believe in his talent. He can hit every pitch.”
As the 49ers reflect on their decision at No.3 overall, Jones and Shanahan both offered insight into why they might be an ideal pair when discussing how they perceive the quarterback position- back and the most important characteristics for a flagger.
For Kiper, Lance completes what is a QB class loaded as No.13 just behind Jones.
“Lance is a huge wildcard in this draft. But the more you watch his 2019 gang, the more things to love about him,” Kiper writes of Lance. “… The other thing to note: Lance was born in 2000 – he will be 20 when he is drafted in April. This is by no means a finished product.”
The 49ers seem to decide between Fields and Jones in 3rd place. It’s a decision between the prospect with the highest cap (Fields) and an ideal pattern (Jones). How Shanahan answers this question will define his tenure as head coach of the 49ers.
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