While the team has multiple needs it is hard to ignore the most important position of quarterback. Of course as luck would have it, this draft class doesn’t yield the immediate franchise altering signal caller of recent classes.
Post-First Round Quarterback Options
It is impossible to truly know what the new general manager and head coach are planning with their first selection at the helm, still it would be a surprise to see them address the quarterback need right away. Recent rumors circulated about the team strongly considering a quarterback with the second overall pick, it’s easy to say that this is most likely is an attempt to leverage another team to trade up, we simply won’t know until Thursday evening if the smoke screen is real or not.
Along with a trade down, addressing a defensive need first and waiting until the second day or later to select a quarterback for Kyle Shanahan to groom may be the most ideal route. With that in mind, here are three quarterbacks that the team may select outside the first round.
Deshone Kizer – Notre Dame
Positives:
Arm strength
Ideal frame and confidence of a franchise quarterback
Dual threat
Negatives:
Inconsistent mechanics
Stares down targets
Summary:
Prior to this college season Kizer was in the conversation with Deshaun Watson as potential top ten picks. What a difference a year makes, as both Kizer and Notre Dame had a disappointing 2016 campaign. When he is on, Kizer can wow you with his arm strength from the pocket and on the run. Unfortunately, the very next throw is just as likely to be wildly innacurate. In spite of any shortcomings, Kizer does apparently have plenty of confidence, as he explained recent comments about his potential within the league. It will be interesting to see which team takes a chance on Kizer and if his recent comments end up pushing him further down draft boards.
Nathan Peterman – University of Pittsburgh
Positives:
Immediate fit in a West Coast Offense
Familiarity with multiple offensive systems
Consistent accuracy
Pocket presence
No.2 passer rating against pressure
Negatives:
Average arm strength
Susceptible to fumbles when scrambling to extend plays
Summary:
The team has been connected to trade rumors with Kirk Cousins from the outset of free agency and still could be in play for him next offseason. Watching Peterman, the similarities to Cousins are clear with their frame, patience in the pocket, and accuracy. From a mental perspective, Peterman can come in and hit the ground running, as stated by Jon Gruden in his “QB camp” series. Gruden’s vote of confidence days before the draft can only help push Peterman into the second round conversation.
Davis Webb – University of California
Positives:
Prototype frame
Arm strength
Dedicated student of the game
Negatives:
Pre determines his decisions rather than react to the coverage
Throws into heavy coverage
No experience under center
Summary:
Webb will need time to adjust to pro style systems but he has the arm talent to make all the throws at the next level. Similar to the growing pains suffered by Jared Goff last season, Webb will have to gain experience under center and with traditional drop backs. Webb has shown a dedication to both the game and the craft of his position but will be better off sitting behind a starter to learn from. The son of a coach has grown up around the game and is a tireless student of it. Several teams reportedly have a first round grade on Webb which could mean he ends up going near the end of the opening round. However, if he slides into the second round he could end up being the ideal route for San Francisco to get their franchise signal caller.
The official start to the new season is upon us, the draft offers the ultimate canvas for franchises to turn their fortunes around. The countdown to Thursday evening has almost reached its end.
