Why Trey Lance takes biggest leap of all second-year quarterbacks

Trey Lance among those who make biggest leap in 2023

Again, we’re predicting here. But that’s the industry. Predictions are fun.

And we should predict Trey Lance being the quarterback who takes the biggest leap forward out of all those six quarterbacks covered.

Lance is clearly significant steps ahead of Davis Mills, and good enough evidence was revealed when the former helped beat Mills’ Texans in a must-win game for San Francisco in Week 17 last year.

Based on his own merits alone, Trevor Lawrence should be able to upend Lance, at least in terms of talent and experience, yet it’s hard to categorize Jacksonville as being notably better, offensively, than it was a year ago. So, while Lawrence might be the better quarterback overall, Lance would have the superior talent and coaching around him to make the bigger leap.

The same argument should be applied versus Justin Fields and the Bears, too.

That leaves Lance in a three-way battle against Mac Jones and Zach Wilson. There’s the real argument.

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Wilson’s supporting cast is upgraded, and he’ll enjoy consistency with the coaching staff. Same with Jones, albeit lesser notable improvements on offense. Yet Jones’ ceiling isn’t much higher than where he’s performing right now, and Wilson’s shaky rookie season means he’ll have to take a massive leap forward his second year to outpace Lance.

Comparing where the 49ers are now versus the Jets’ prospects for a successful 2022 campaign, one would likely have to side with Lance and the Niners on that one.

So, if you had to bet, it’s shaping up to be Lance who winds up making the most substantial leap out of all the 2021 rookie quarterbacks who are poised to start for their respective teams this upcoming season.

Good news for San Francisco, at least we hope.