49ers news: 5 biggest takeaways from 2021 OTAs

No. 1: Jimmy Garoppolo is 49ers’ unquestioned starter… for now

Eventually, the Niners want to pass the baton from Jimmy Garoppolo to Trey Lance, and there was an understandable thinking the transition could take place as soon as Week 1.

That’s looking much more doubtful right now.

San Francisco 49ers

True, Lance showed serious strides of improvement from rookie minicamps through OTAs, developing chemistry and working on his technique. But it’s still important to acknowledge how raw he is as well as the fact he’s had just one start at any level since 2019.

It would be one thing if Garoppolo was struggling during OTAs. Yet after appearing at camp with a noticeably stronger physique, Jimmy G showcased why he’s still going to be the Week 1 starter when the regular season kicks off.

And Kyle Shanahan didn’t mince his words about the quarterback either:

"I think Jimmy had his best spring since we’ve had him. We had the spring the first year with him, the second year he had the ACL, so we didn’t get that. And then last year it was COVID. So this is really his second one not being on an ACL. I thought Jimmy came in in great shape, really locked in, a good place physically and mentally. And I thought he had as good of OTAs as he’s had."

Nearly all of the media reports stemming from OTAs highlighted Garoppolo’s poise and command under center, too, meaning he’s nowhere close to relinquishing his starter’s status anytime soon.

Again, training camp will heighten the competition and give Lance another shot at closing the gap.

For now, at least, Jimmy G is still the entrenched starter.