Questions will be asked about the 2021 NFL draft for many years to come. Nobody was surprised when Trevor Lawrence went 1st overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Things didn’t get weird until the next two picks. The New York Jets opted for BYU standout Zach Wilson 2nd overall. Yet the bigger shock came 10 minutes later when the San Francisco 49ers, after trading three 1st round picks to secure the 3rd selection, opted to take North Dakota State standout Trey Lance. Nobody could understand why, especially with a more experienced and talented Justin Fields still on the board.
There was never a clear explanation for what happened. Now one source has revealed a detailed rumor on that subject. NFL Notifications on Twitter isn’t the most reputable account, but it’s been known to post accurate information in the past. That is why it was interesting when they released a thread detailing the fact that 49ers GM John Lynch actually wanted to draft Fields. The problem was head coach Kyle Shanahan became smitten with Lance, feeling his improvisational skills made him perfect for San Francisco’s offense.
Lynch argued Fields’ case for weeks. However, with the draft closing in, Shanahan refused to budge. So the 49ers went with Lance.
Justin Fields is poised for big things. Lance is not.
Based on reports out of San Francisco, it sounds like the former 3rd overall pick isn’t even likely to win the primary backup job, let alone the starting spot. Most agree Brock Purdy is a lock for the starter job after his highly successful end-of-season run to the NFC Championship last year. Meanwhile, veteran Sam Darnold has also looked solid in practice. He may end up as their backup. That means Lance will get left behind as the third QB. Unless the 49ers choose to keep three quarterbacks, that means he could get traded or even cut.
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The opposite appears true for Justin Fields. He had a solid season in 2022 with a far inferior roster in Chicago. He accounted for over 3500 yards and 25 touchdowns with 11 interceptions. Imagine what he might’ve accomplished if he had Shanahan’s system, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle, Christian McCaffrey, and that 49ers defense supporting him. There is a reasonable chance they’d have reached the Super Bowl. They will never admit it publicly, but that decision is likely to haunt Lynch and Shanahan for the rest of their careers.
I remember that draft moment. I was blown away that the Niners took Lance. I looked at my buddy’s and said, No way he even plays this year.
And I doubt I was alone knowing who was the pick when Pace traded up in the teens. You just knew he was going after Fields. That was actually a pretty fun draft to watch.
Try convincing ostrich’s with their head buried in the
sand of that! People like Gena, Tom Waddle and the doom glory-ists that Fields will never improve. Lololol!
Lance has barely played at all. He may very well still become a superstar, IF he can ever stay healthy. I am alllllllll for rooting for JF and being happy you have him… but there’s zero value I shit talking on Lance. The poor kid has dealt with enough. He didn’t decide where/when he was drafted.
Who cares? We got JF1 and are not looking back. We can give credit to Pace for this one but he also gets credit for all his blunders. This one was a no brainer. That’s why guys will tell you that when you get up that high trust your gut. Lynch didn’t at least that time and is still paying for it. Purdy was a nice find for him though. It can balance out in the end.
Honestly I don’t believe anything that comes from that Twitter Account. He never has sources and always spews rumors. Never a single thing that backs up what he’s saying and he’s very pro Chicago as well. There’s a lot of bias attached to this account “NFL Notifications”