NFL Draft 2021: Ranking potential 49ers quarterback targets
Category: Athleticism
Rankings
- Justin Fields
- Zach Wilson
- Trey Lance
- Mac Jones
Analysis
Athleticism is by far the best attribute for Justin Fields, and whichever team gets him will be getting a true dual-threat quarterback. Fields is shifty in the open field and can elude defenders like a running back to either gain yards or extend plays, and his ability to throw on the run means he can also freeze up defenses.
Zach Wilson isn’t bad in the open field either, and actually has very comparable abilities to Fields in his ability to get yardage or extend plays. He’s a better passer in general as well, but in sheer athleticism, he’s slightly behind Fields.
Trey Lance is a very good athlete in his own right and has a willingness to engage defenders as well to try to break through for extra yards. He should avoid making that a habit to avoid turnovers, but he does have the athleticism to utilize.
Mac Jones is by far the worst candidate where athleticism is concerned, although it’d be unfair to call him a statue in the pocket as well. He has decent mobility that can allow him to extend plays, but he doesn’t have the ability to scramble much. He’ll be a pocket passer only in the NFL.