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San Francisco 49ers: Which Quarterback Should Start for Chip Kelly in 2016?

By Bryan Knowles

Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) and quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) warm up before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) and quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) warm up before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Connor Cook (18) in action against Alabama Crimson Tide in the second half of the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Connor Cook (18) in action against Alabama Crimson Tide in the second half of the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

5. A Second-Day Draft Pick

If the 49ers opt to not go with a quarterback in the first round, they’ll likely take someone to develop in rounds two or three, as they need long-term options at the position. While it’s not unheard of for day two picks to step in right away—Derek Carr did so in 2014, for example, and Russell Wilson was very effective for Seattle in 2012—players normally fall out of the first round for a reason, and that reason is generally “they’re not quite ready to start”.

This year’s class of second-day picks fall into that category. Connor Cook has accuracy issues and doesn’t make pre-snap reads at an NFL level yet. Jacoby Brissett is still learning the nuances of the position and has an awkward delivery. Christian Hackenberg has not shown any awareness in the pocket and stares down his receivers.

None of these traits are unsolvable, and they all have plenty of positives that make them exciting prospects. However, they’re going to need more polish than their first-round counterparts. There’s an argument for throwing them out there and letting them learn under fire, but that didn’t exactly do wonders for Mike Glennon, Geno Smith or Jimmy Clausen.

These are players who likely could be starting for the 49ers by the end of the season—they would likely take over when and if the 49ers fell out of realistic playoff contention, whether that’s in October or December. But none of them would be a great option as an opening-day starter.

Next: Yo Gabbert Gabbert