The San Francisco 49ers made a somewhat bold move when they took Trey Lancein the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Not because he wasn’t good or promising but because he looked like a long-term project.
The 49ers have been a legit Super Bowl contender for some years now and the only two things that have held them back have been injuries and quarterback play, so most people expected them to move the pick and/or Jimmy Garoppolo to get immediate help.
And, while some people have speculated that Garoppolo could lose his starting job to Lance at some point next season, coach Kyle Shanahan was quick to shut that narrative down and support his starter – for now.
Kyle Shanahan Still Trusts Jimmy Garoppolo, Doesn’t Think Lance Is Ready
“What I told Jimmy right when we made the trade is, ‘I don’t know any rookie who can come and beat you out if you’re playing at his best self.’ I didn’t necessarily think he was there last year at training camp. Then he had the injuries and stuff. But right now I see him playing well out here. If he can continue to go that way, that’s great for Trey. That’s great for our team. Then Trey can wait till he’s at his best self, which doesn’t happen overnight,” Shanahan said in Football Morning in America.
“We’re on the practice field now and you’re a first-round pick so everyone’s looking at you. Your new team wants to see your talent level, which he has, but they also want to see how he carries himself. I think that’s what they’ve been impressed with. He doesn’t know everything yet. He’s still trying. This was his eighth practice since he’s been here, including OTAs,” Shanahan added.
Fred Warner Praises Lance
Even so, multiple reports claim that Lance has been more than impressive during training camp. In fact, superstar linebacker Fred Warner gave him his flowers after an impressive stretch in practice:
“You see the raw talent, and you see the ball fly out of his hand. Impressive,” Warner said. “Games will be different. But 11 on 11 out here is still football, and we’re seeing a young guy work and be humble and make throws like that. That’s what he needs to do.”
The 49ers have a nice problem right now. It’s always good to have a young, up-and-coming player to put pressure on an underperforming veteran. Who knows? Maybe Lance will be ready sooner than expected.
