Apr 29, 20212 min read

NFL: Who should the 49ers, Falcons draft?

The 2021 NFL Draft is just a day away and the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons have two of the most consequential picks in the first round. San Francisco holds the #3 pick and are looking for a quarterback to replace Jimmy Garoppolo, who has dealt with ankle and knee injuries in recent years. Atlanta will have the following selection and they have more than a couple potential targets, including quarterbacks, pass catchers, or a possible trade. We're going to look into who the 49ers and Falcons should draft after Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson after taken off the board on Thursday night.

Although we have Justin Fields ranked as our #2 quarterback and #4 prospect overall, San Francisco seems dead set on a different signal caller. According to Bleacher Report, the 49ers are focused on either Trey Lance or Mac Jones. Lance threw for 2,786 yards, 28 touchdowns, and zero picks in 2019 at North Dakota State. Jones started one year at Alabama, racking up 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns, and four interceptions en route to a 13-0 record and a national championship. We predict the 49ers will select Jones, who should be able to slide right in under Kyle Shanahan.

As for the Falcons, they could go a handful of different directions. Atlanta has been tied to prospects like Kyle Pitts, Ja'Marr Chase, and Penei Sewell, but there's a chance the front office decides to move on from Matt Ryan and draft a QB. In that case, it would likely be either Lance or Justin Fields. If the Falcons think they can still compete with Ryan under center, owner Arthur Blank will look to target Pitts, Sewell, or a trade down. In our 2021 NFL Mock Draft, we projected the Falcons will select Pitts with the #4 pick. The Florida tight end has the potential to reenergize a middling Falcons offense alongside Calvin Ridley.

Draft Over/Unders:

- Mac Jones (3.5)

- Kyle Pitts (5.5)

- Ja'Marr Chase (5.5)

- Penei Sewell (6.5)

- Trey Lance (6.5)

- Justin Fields (7.5)

According to Sports Betting Dime.

49ers Targets:

1. Mac Jones (Alabama/QB)

2. Trey Lance (North Dakota St/QB)

3. Justin Fields (Ohio State/QB)