The Atlanta Falcons hold the No. 4 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft, and many think the team should target a quarterback. This wouldn’t be a move to try and get rid of Matt Ryan in 2021, but more likely in 2023 when the contract is more favorable for the Falcons to get out of.
Trey Lance out of North Dakota State University is an excellent quarterback at the college level and one of the draft’s most talented prospects. However, his inexperience as a starter despite having all the traits needed for the No. 1 overall pick will be why a team might pass over him for a guy like Zach Wilson — who I personally don’t like better — or Justin Fields — who I do.
QB: Trey Lance – North Dakota State University
6-foot-3, 221 pounds
Stats and Awards
2020: One game played, 15-of-30 (50.0 percent), 149 passing yards, two touchdowns, one interception, 15 carries, 143 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns
2019: 16 games played, 192-of-287 (66.9 percent), 2,786 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, zero interceptions, 169 carries, 1,100 rushing yards, 14 rushing touchdowns
Walter Payton Award winner, Jerry Rice Award winner, FCS Championship game MVP
2018: Two games played, 1-of-1 (100.0 percent), 12 passing yards, Eight carries, 82 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns
Highlights: 2019 vs. South Dakota
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loozP2FEbY4
Scouting Report
Strengths
Trey Lance’s two best assets are his ridiculously strong arm and his mobility. His strong arm comes from his snappy release that will draw comparisons to Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady with how well he pops it out of his hand. His mobility allows him to understand his placing in the pocket and he has a great feel for the pressure around him.
When in clutch situations, Lance is able to shake off the butterflies and perform like a true professional. He played some of his best games in the playoffs for the national title game. On top of that, he can make intelligent choices within his scheme allowing him to minimize interceptions at the next level.
Weaknesses
The Falcons will be impressed with some aspects of his game, but Lance has to get better with his accuracy as a whole. While he does complete a lot of passes, he needs to really work on his ball placement to fit his throws into tighter NFL windows. That will come from reps with the right coaching staff and mentor teaching him.
Part of that could come from his footwork still needing work. At times, he’ll take false steps in the pocket, and that’s something he needs to focus on at the next level. NDSU’s offense was somewhat simplistic, focusing on the best talent and not as much on the scheme to get guys open.
Overview
NFL Stylistic Comparison/Best Case Scenario: Aaron Rodgers
Trey Lance has all the tools you want in a quarterback. The high level of competitiveness, the great arm, and the ability to fit into multiple different schemes. He should fit in well with what Arthur Smith likes to do with his zone blocking run game and run/pass options with a Walsh-style West Coast passing attack.
However, he’s a year or two away from being really good for what the Falcons need at quarterback. Lance could use the polish, pro coaching and mentorship to really take his play to the next level. The Falcons would be able to provide him all of those things.
How Lance fits into the Falcons’ plans
If the Falcons were to draft Trey Lance, they probably need to get him somewhere in the top 12 — either at their current spot (No. 4 overall) or after trading back a couple of spots and adding additional selections in the middle rounds. Lance would be a backup at the beginning of his career behind Matt Ryan until the team decides to move on from the best quarterback in franchise history… so far.
[lawrence-related id=66185,66180,66134]
[listicle id=65963]