Santa Clara, CA
Draft Day, Apr 29, 2021
After a disappointing 2020–2021 season that ended with the 49ers at 6–10, after going to the Super Bowl the year before, the team knows they still have too much talent to stay down. They believe they have a real shot at the Super Bowl. With a young core with the likes of Deebo Samuel, Fred Warner, Brandon Aiyuk, Dre Greenlaw, George Kittle, and a healthy Nick Bosa returning, the team feels the window is still open.
This year, draft isn't loaded with many quarterbacks that are ready to play right away. Some teams are looking for other positions and if they are looking for a QB then they are high on the draft board . The 49ers have the 12th pick. They don't know if the player they want will still fall where they are. They could try to trade up with future picks and other assets for a higher selection.
Inside the 49ers' war room, Head Coach Kyle Shanahan, Offensive Coordinator Mike McDaniel, Defensive Coordinator DeMeco Ryans, promoted after Robert Saleh left for the Jets Head Coach job, and General Manager John Lynch are all gathered around the main table.
Lynch stands at the head of the table as the coaches look at the draft board. Shanahan leans toward the screen, scanning names. McDaniel rests his elbows on the table. DeMeco watches quietly. The draft is about to start.
"Alright," Lynch says. "Before we talk trades, let's talk quarterbacks. Who really fits us?" He adds, " We all know the Jaguars have the first pick. They are taking Trevor Lawrence. We can't get him."
Shanahan nods. "Yeah. Trevor's gone. No point dreaming there. But we have more options down the road."
Shanahan points to Zach Wilson's profile on the screen. "Wilson has an arm," he says. "Quick release, long throws he can make, the crazy throws look easy." McDaniel nods. "Yeah, Wilson is great. But we won't get him unless we give up a lot."
Lynch looks at Mac Jones next. "What about Mac?"
Shanahan smiles. "Mac is smart. Really smart. Good timing, plays on rhythm." He taps the table again. "He runs the system clean. Accurate, steady, and ready to play now. He's a safe choice if we want someone reliable."
McDaniel adds, "He processes fast, he's accurate, he's steady. You can build a team around him right away."
Shanahan leans back and points to Trey Lance's tape. "Now he's different."
Lynch steps closer. "Let's talk about Lance."
McDaniel leans forward. "Big arm, and he's athletic. Off the charts. He can run, move in the pocket, and extend plays."
Shanahan's voice gets serious. "He gives us things we don't have now. Design runs, play-action, deep shots, he opens everything up." He taps the film. "Yes, he's raw. But his upside is the highest outside the top picks."
Lynch takes a slow breath. "So Wilson is gone. Mac is safe and ready. But Trey is the high upside guy."
McDaniel nods. "If we go big, he's the one."
Shanahan adds quietly, "He's the future if we get him right."
Lynch steps to the center. "Alright. If we want Trey, we call Miami." Knowing they have Tua, they won't take their guy.
He picks up the phone, dials the number in, and makes the call. The coaches lean in, focusing as it rings. Dolphins GM Chris Grier answers, and the room goes quiet.
"Chris," Lynch says. "We're interested in your pick."
Grier chuckles. "Okay, what are you offering?"
Lynch hesitates for a second, then straightens his voice. "Our 12th pick this year, next year's first, and Raheem Mostert."
Grier laughs. Shanahan raises his eyebrows. McDaniel shakes his head slightly.
From the side of the room, someone mutters, "That can't be good."
Grier then gets serious," You've got to be kidding right, there is no way we can accept that deal, you go to do better than that, if not we would be ending it here."
Lynch frowns. "Alright, so what do you want exactly?"
Grier gets serious. "I want your 12th pick, both your next two first-rounders in 2022 and 2023, your third this year, and also Mostert."
Someone mutters, "No way that's insane."
Lynch exhales, shoulders dropping. "Chris, that price is too much. We can't do it."
"Then we don't have a deal," Grier replies.
Lynch hangs up and sets the phone down. The room stays quiet until Shanahan leans forward.
"Alright," he says. "Back to the drawing board." Contemplating if they really need a Quarterback this year with Garoppolo still good enough to lead them.
Random defensive coach shouts, "What about defense?
Lynch nods. "You know what, maybe we forget about quarterbacks. Moving up is too expensive and too risky."
Shanahan taps the table. "Yeah, Mac is safe, Lance has potential, but we already have a good QB group. Maybe our best move is to pick someone who can help us on the defensive side."
McDaniel leans in. "I agree. If we focus on defense, we could get a corner or pass rusher who makes a big difference. Parsons, Horn, Surtain… any of them could help."
DeMeco suddenly is excited knowing exactly who fits this role, but before he can speak.
Roger Goodell walks up to the podium and smiles. "The 2021 NFL Draft is now officially open, and the Jacksonville Jaguars are on the clock."
Lynch mutters, "Here we go, the draft is starting."
Not even a minute later, Roger Goodell quickly returned to the podium with the Jaguars' selection. "With the first pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars select Trevor Lawrence, Quarterback, Clemson."
So the inevitable has finally become reality.
"Family, friends, even his dog… they're all happy for Trevor Lawrence," the announcer says. "The new Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback is officially here. It's a new era of football in Jacksonville."
"He's a prototype player," another voice adds. "This kid can really change the future of that franchise."
The 49ers' war room all just stared for a moment as everyone watched the announcement. Lynch smiles, shaking his head. Shanahan and McDaniel exchange chuckles, knowing the top QB is off the board.
Shanahan just shook his head, "Yeah, we knew where he was going. No surprises there."