49ers 7-round mock NFL Draft after first wave of free agency
By Peter Panacy
Round 1, Pick No. 12 Overall: 49ers select quarterback Trey Lance, NDSU
There are plenty of reasons to believe why the 49ers move on from their current starting quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, particularly in 2022 when his total salary-cap hit will be $27 million.
As many of the Niners’ current contracts and NFL free agency deals jump up in cost a year from now, John Lynch will have to figure out ways to save some money, particularly with lucrative extensions on the horizon for linebacker Fred Warner and EDGE Nick Bosa.
Making Jimmy G a cap casualty in 2022 could free up the bulk of that $27 million cap hit, and competing for a Super Bowl with a quarterback on a rookie contract is often the way to go.
And in this case, the final name of the “big four” quarterbacks in this year’s draft class, North Dakota State’s Trey Lance, is the one who falls to San Francisco at No. 12 overall.
Granted, Lance’s 2019 season is essentially the only one capable of being looked at in any depth. But the dual-threat signal-caller had an impressive 28 touchdowns thrown that year against zero interceptions, has exceptional playmaking abilities and could be such the unique weapon in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
Plus, Lance wouldn’t have to necessarily step in right away with Garoppolo under tow for at least one more year. That’s a bonus, too.
With Lance selected, the 49ers hope to have their dynamic quarterback in place for the next 10-plus years.