NFL Draft: 1 quarterback 49ers can target in each round

49ers quarterback prospect (Round 4): Jamie Newman, Georgia

One of the biggest wild cards we’ll see during the draft process is the players who decided to opt out of the college season due to concerns stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Georgia’s Jamie Newman, a transfer from Wake Forest who never took the field for the Bulldogs, is one of the bigger names to opt out in this process, and where he’s drafted is interesting.

Newman has the dual-threat ability and has the size and strength to stretch the field vertically with his arm. Newman isn’t a polished prospect, however, and does need some coaching up.

In terms of boom-or-bust potential, Newman is top of the list. He has the ability to be a special quarterback in the league, but also could be out of the league in three years. His struggles in the Senior Bowl didn’t help him, and he looks set to be drafted on day three.

49ers quarterback prospect (Round 5): Peyton Ramsey, Northwestern

If the team decides to roll with Jimmy Garoppolo, a new backup quarterback might be needed, and it can be argued Northwestern’s Peyton Ramsey has the best attribute of the later-round prospects to stick in the league as a top-tier backup.

Ramsey was a tough quarterback for the Wildcats and led them to the Big Ten Championship in 2020. He’s had little help around him, but he’s still been able to play well nonetheless.

Ramsey is a smart quarterback, and while he isn’t the most physically gifted, he has enough tools to stick around in the NFL. He could make a good fit for the 49ers, who value mental acumen and basic throwing skills over physical talents.

49ers quarterback prospect (Round 6): Sam Ehlinger, Texas

Aside from Ramsay, there aren’t many intriguing prospects late in the draft who might turn into a starting quarterback in the league. Texas’ Sam Ehlinger was once an intriguing name but no longer has any buzz surrounding him.

But that said, he should still be taken late in the draft by a team hoping they can develop his strengths and iron out his weaknesses.

Ehlinger has some running ability but did struggle at times as a pocket passer for Texas in 2020. The main problem is a lack of field vision, and his performance wasn’t helped in the Senior Bowl.

49ers quarterback prospect (Round 7): Ian Book, Notre Dame

Ian Book was a reliable passer for Notre Dame who lacks the physical attributes to be a starting quarterback at the next level.

However, Book has the ability to be a game manager who can make accurate passes. In a 49ers offense that values placement and misdirection over power in the passing game, it’s not out of the question Book can be a long-term backup for the team in this scheme.

Book did not impress at the Senior Bowl and is likely to be undrafted, but the 49ers might like him enough to take him late and see what he can do.