49ers NFL Draft: Ranking each rookie by projected 2021 impact

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Trey Lance, North Dakota State Bison, 49ers, NFL Draft

Trey Lance, North Dakota State Bison (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

49ers Rookie No. 6: Trey Lance, Quarterback

While there are differing reports on whether or not Trey Lance will be ready to start in 2021, the job is currently that of Jimmy Garoppolo to lose.

It’s not the worst idea in the world either. Plenty of rookie quarterbacks have been ruined because they were started before they’re ready. By easing him into the role, the 49ers are taking a mature view towards grooming him into a franchise quarterback.

If it were up to San Francisco, he probably wouldn’t play at all except for mopping up blowouts. Don’t rule out Lance being used in some special plays throughout the season, though, to at least give him a little taste of the action.

But barring an exceptional preseason, injury or severe regression by Garoppolo, don’t expect to see Lance.

So why is he at No. 6 and not No. 8?

Well, it’s very hard to trust the health of Garoppolo. I did mention the taking of liberties, and one of them is the prediction Lance will be pressed into service at some point in 2021.