NFL Draft 2021: Ranking potential 49ers quarterback targets

Final results, potential fit with 49ers

Zach Wilson

Arm strength: 2nd
Accuracy: 2nd
Athleticism: 2nd
Intangibles: 4th
Pocket awareness: 1st

Analysis

As far as prospects go, Zach Wilson is the best all-around guy you could want the 49ers to take if he somehow does fall to No. 3.

His arm strength and accuracy are easily the best combined of the four prospects, and his pocket awareness is easily top of the range here.

He has some small character issues with the other three being above him as team leaders, but by no means is he a red flag.

San Francisco 49ers

Justin Fields

Arm strength: 3rd
Accuracy: 3rd 
Athleticism: 1st
Intangibles: 3rd
Pocket awareness: 3rd

Analysis

Justin Fields is the kind of guy who excites those who want a running quarterback leading the team. He has the legs, but he can also throw the ball.

His athleticism makes him stand out, as he isn’t the best in any other category. But in saying this, he’s not a liability in any of them either.

Trey Lance

Arm strength: 1st
Accuracy: 4th
Athleticism: 3rd
Intangibles: 2nd
Pocket awareness: 4th

Analysis

Trey Lance is raw. Very, very raw.

But if a team is willing to be patient, there’s a very promising quarterback who could burst onto the scene in the NFL.

People tend to forget quarterback Patrick Mahomes was exceptionally raw coming into the league as well, and the Kansas City Chiefs sat him for an entire year and developed him into the star he now is.

I can’t say that doing the same for Lance would produce the same results, but he certainly has the tools to do so. For now, he’s a powerful runner who’s a good teammate and has good athletic ability.

Mac Jones

Arm strength: 4th
Accuracy: 1st
Athleticism: 4th
Intangibles: 1st
Pocket awareness: 2nd

Analysis

If you’re someone who prefers accuracy first and foremost over athleticism and strength (and that’s OK if you are, despite what some might say), Mac Jones is the guy for you.

He isn’t the strongest arm nor is he the best scrambler of the bunch, but he’s a reliable thrower of the football and commands respect in the locker room.

While it would be a reach to take him at No. 3, would anyone remember that if the 49ers take him and he does pan out?

All in all, it’s four different quarterbacks who could take the Niners in four different directions. We’ll find out on draft day which direction that is.