49ers roster: Power ranking 5 most important players entering 2021

No. 1: Jimmy Garoppolo (or Trey Lance)

I know that it’s technically cheating to put two players here, but the truth is it’s anybody’s guess as to which quarterback will end up being the starter by the end of the season.

It’s also not exactly a hot take to put a quarterback at No. 1, but there’s a reason for that. I see no reason to be contrarian for the sake of being contrarian.

For the 49ers to get back to the playoffs, even with a game plan designed on a strong running game and a suffocating defense, they need to have a good quarterback under center.

Trey Lance is the exciting prospect and heir to the throne, but he may have to wait his chance. Jimmy Garoppolo has his limitations, and the Niners have made it clear he isn’t the future at the position, but he has shown he’s good enough to quarterback the team to the Super Bowl.

But, whoever San Francisco has at quarterback this season, the chance at the playoffs remains in their hands.

Garoppolo or Lance, they remain the most important player for the 49ers in 2021.