Surveying QB landscape at combine
Trading away a bevy of top draft picks didn't minimize the 49ers' to-do list at this week's NFL scouting combine.
There are contingencyplan quarterbacks to examine, from underdog prospects to prospective free agents.
Over 50 defensive linemen were invited to this week's showcase in Indianapolis, and the 49ers need to find bargains who could thrive next to Nick Bosa, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Tight ends, offensive tackles, maybe even kickers will get the in-person once-over by the 49ers, especially their medical staff.
General manager John Lynch is slated to speak on the curious state of the 49ers at 11 a.m. Tuesday. Kyle Shanahan is expected to skip the combine and watch video feeds from afar, as he did last year — and as 12 coaches are doing this year in a trend that
allegedly helps their time management.
Here is a closer look at what the 49ers must navigate this week:
1. QB CONDITIONS >> Lynch can offer updates on quarterbacks Brock Purdy and Trey Lance. Is there more to explain about Purdy postponing elbow surgery last Wednesday because of persistent swelling? Is Lance's ankle recovery indeed entering the next phase where he has begun throwing to receivers, having requested a casting call of volunteers on social media last week?
Beyond that tandem, the 49ers must scour the NFL landscape, especially if they insist they aren't looking for a top-tier potential starter (see: the limbo-loving Aaron Rodgers, the retired-again Tom Brady).
In terms of the combine's 15 prospects, the 49ers' target pool falls below the hyped quartet of Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, Will Levis and Anthony Richardson. Lynch's staff already should know plenty about local products Jake Haener (Fresno State) and Tanner McKee (Stanford). So, do they focus on a quarterback with Lance's passing/rushing mix (see: Malik Cunningham, Dorian Thompson-Robinson), or search more for a gritty, pass-oriented winner? Stetson Bennett (Georgia) and Max Duggan (TCU) know playoff football, so time to get to know them, too.
This is also the time to check with cohorts and agents to see which veterans may enter the market with ex-49ers starter Jimmy Garoppolo. Will Lamar Jackson (Ravens), Geno Smith (Seahawks) and Daniel Jones (Giants) re-sign and stay put? None are 49ers' material, but they could pick from potential cap casualties in Marcus Mariota (Falcons), Matt Ryan (Colts), Carson Wentz (Commanders), Jameis Winston (Saints) and Mitchell Trubisky (Steelers). The bars, hotel suites and corridors of Indy will offer plenty of quarterback chatter.
2. FORTIFY D-LINE >> Two things are pressing when it comes to the crux of the 49ers' defensive front: Are they optimistic Bosa will sign a record-setting extension before the season, and how do they plan to complement the line's depth by integrating more youth next to him?
Three years ago, the 49ers bypassed DeForest Buckner's fifth-year option and traded him to the Indianapolis Colts, in a regrettable deal that gained footing at the combine. Don't expect a repeat of that. The 49ers have budgeted for Bosa's payday, he's earned it, he's embraced the franchise and a deal figures to come down by August.
With their first draft pick slated at No. 100 overall, the 49ers could take the best-player-available route. Or they do what they normally do: They've selected a defensive lineman with their top pick in six of the past eight drafts, including Drake Jackson last year (No. 61 overall) and Javon Kinlaw in 2020 (No. 14 overall).