Former NFL GM shares theory on why 49ers passed on Mac Jones

When Round 1 of the 2021 NFL Draft took place on Thursday night, many expected the San Francisco 49ers to select Alabama QB Mac Jones.

Instead, they took North Dakota State QB Trey Lance, sparking discussions of what was going on in the 49ers’ draft room.

On Monday, former NFL GM Mike Lombardi shared a theory on what happened. Per Lombardi, it’s possible the 49ers were planning on taking Jones until pressure from outside the organization tilted against Jones:

Mike Lombardi: “I’m not buying it was Trey Lance all along. Anybody you talk to in the NFL that has sources – they aren’t buying that either. [SF] can say it was Trey all along – that’s a crock of crap. they traded up to get Mac Jones and the outside pressure became really bad.” https://t.co/kSrPc7gQe5

— Jason McIntyre (@jasonrmcintyre) May 3, 2021

FOX Sports Radio host Jason McIntyre says he thinks San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan wanted Jones, but others in the front office, including GM John Lynch, weren’t sold on the Alabama QB.

It’s an interesting theory. Of course, this all goes away if Lance becomes a star. But 49ers fans will also be keeping an eye on how Jones fares in New England.