Albuquerque Journal

Rumor mill’s latest: Lance to S.F.

Brady miffed by new ruling on uni numbers

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First, it was Ohio State’s Justin Fields. Then it was Alabama’s Mac Jones. Now, with the NFL draft just a week away, it’s North Dakota State’s Trey Lance.

Yes, we’ve officially hit peak draft rumor season when each new report needs to be viewed through a cynic’s lens. Every draft pundit, reporter or former NFL executive would have us believe he or she has exclusive insight on which of the three quarterbac­ks the 49ers will take with the third overall pick next Thursday night.

Only 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch truly know which guy the team intends to choose as it looks for a long-term replacemen­t for Jimmy Garoppolo. And while they’ve been adept at keeping that a secret, it hasn’t deterred the experts from guaranteei­ng us they know who the new 49ers rookie quarterbac­k will be.

The rumors and proclamati­ons began as soon as the 49ers pulled off the massive deal with Miami to move from the No. 12 pick to the No. 3 pick on March 26.

The NFL Network’s Rich Eisen

dropped the latest draft bombshell of sorts when he revealed Wednesday that Lance will be S.F.’s choice.

“I’m hearing it’s Trey Lance. That’s what I’m hearing now,” Eisen said confidentl­y. “I’m hearing the kid is supremely talented physically, and neck-up smart and also really wants to learn.”.

BRADY: Uniform numbers mean a lot to Tom Brady. Shortly after signing with the Bucs last season, he asked WR Chris Godwin to give up No. 12. The Bucs receiver obliged.

But when the NFL announced

owners had voted to relax a rule regarding jersey numbers at certain positions, Brady took issue.

On social media, Brady posted a story about some rules changes and wrote DUMB across the top.

“Why not let the linemen wear whatever they want, too,” Brady said. “Why have numbers? Just have colored jerseys … why not wear the same number? … DUMB @nfl @nflpa.”

SEAHAWKS: Seattle has brought back QB Geno Smith to serve as the backup to Russell Wilson.

 ?? ANDY CLAYTON-KING/ASSOCIATED PRESS ?? North Dakota State quarterbac­k Trey Lance throws at the school’s Pro Day on March 12. Lance will likely be one of the first two players drafted from non-Football Bowl Subdivisio­n programs next week.
ANDY CLAYTON-KING/ASSOCIATED PRESS North Dakota State quarterbac­k Trey Lance throws at the school’s Pro Day on March 12. Lance will likely be one of the first two players drafted from non-Football Bowl Subdivisio­n programs next week.

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