The San Francisco 49ers have decided it was time to turn their franchise over to Trey Lance.
The third overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft played sparingly last season behind Jimmy Garoppolo.
But, 2022 will be the first chance Lance gets to show the NFL what he can do.
.@49ers fans, rate QB1’s performance in Week 1 of the preseason. 🎯 @treylance09
📱: Stream #SFvsMIN on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/ApVbKTKt4C
— NFL (@NFL) August 20, 2022
Lance is a part of the perfect offense for a young quarterback, thanks to head coach Kyle Shanahan.
The 49ers’ head coach has been known to make adjustments and craft his offense around his players.
Lance should be able to use his legs and quick passing ability to have success in this offense.
Shanahan already had success with a mobile, young quarterback while he was in Washington.
He was the offensive coordinator for Robert Griffin III and Lance has a similar skillset to the former second overall pick.
It is probably a good bet that Shanahan will start the year off with a run-heavy offense.
All young QBs need to find a rhythm early in the season, so that is why Shanahan will rely on Lance’s legs more than his arm to start the year.
Scouting Report
This will be the first time NFL fans will get to see Lance for a full season.
Playing at North Dakota State, he put up fantastic numbers in his sophomore season in 2019.
He completed 66.9% of his passes and had 2,786 yards and 28 touchdowns.
But, it was his zero interceptions that were truly amazing.
Lance even added 1,100 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns.
He is an elite dual-threat player who also throws the ball with accuracy and composure.
North Dakota State is also known to run a pro-style offense.
This is also partially why Carson Wentz had success early in his career coming out of the same school.
The ability to show great accuracy in college will hopefully transfer to the NFL and allow the NDST product to succeed.
The second-year player is in a perfect position to dominate the NFL this season with both his arms and legs.
49ers’ Weapons
Another reason Lance could have a monster season is because of the weapons he has at his disposal.
The 49ers have Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk, and Elijah Mitchell all on their offense.
Most young quarterbacks love their tight ends.
Luckily, the Niners have one of the best in the NFL in Kittle.
In the five games, Lance played with Kittle last year, the tight end caught 20 passes for 273 yards and one touchdown.
Also, Samuel can play wide receiver or running back so getting him the ball consistently will help Lance.
Lance started two games last season, and he struggled in both games.
Throwing two touchdowns and two interceptions in those games.
But, he was very good when given a clean pocket to throw from.
Highest passer rating by a rookie QB when not under pressure in the Next Gen Stats era (since 2016):
Trey Lance (2021) = 120.2
Deshaun Watson (2017) = 117.6
Dak Prescott (2016) = 110.2
Joe Burrow (2020) = 101.8
Justin Herbert (2020) = 101.3*Minimum 50 such pass att* pic.twitter.com/xfyMU0L2wK
— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) August 25, 2022
But, Ravens QB Lamar Jackson also struggled at the beginning of his career before winning league MVP in year two.
Lance is similar to Jackson in their ability to run.
Having a mobile QB is the best chance for a breakout year.
That is because if their passing ability is not fully ready at least they can tuck it and run while making highlight plays.
Ultimately, Lance has the skillset and perfect head coach to have success, now is the time for him to show it.