49ers: Ranking the quarterback options with third overall pick

2. Justin Fields, Ohio State

It’s extremely difficult to split Fields and Zach Wilson, both fit where the game is going at the quarterback position, both have tremendous upside and both have the talents to work wonders in the Shanahan offense.

There is a prior connection between Fields and Shanahan. Fields trained at the QB Collective, where Shanahan, his dad Mike and recently promoted Niners offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel are all coaches.

And there is a lot Shanahan will love about Fields’ game. He is accurate to all three levels, demonstrating outstanding placement on his deep throws, delivers with anticipation when attacking the middle of the field and can consistently sense and evade pressure through pocket presence and a seemingly innate sense as to how to contort his body to avoid defenders.

Fields loses little in terms of velocity or accuracy when on the move, making off-platform throws beyond the reach of most quarterbacks, while as a runner he is a threat to take it the distance from almost anywhere on the field with his speed and elusiveness.

There is some credence to talk of Fields holding on to the ball too long and his decision-making – in terms of trying do too much when under pressure and throwing interceptions after staring down his first read – is an area where he needs improvement.

But Shanahan would likely take the trade-off of having to work through issues to land a quarterback with Fields’ incredible potential, though he may eschew the chance to do so in the unlikely event Wilson is still on the board.