Trey Lance is hard at work once again.
Lance is known as a hard worker. Need proof? Look no further than the annual workout videos of the 49ers quarterback which provide a break from the monotony of the NFL offseason.
The videos of Lance throwing with noted quarterback coach Jeff Christensen and Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs began dropping last week. Fans starving for a look at their favorite players showed their excitement with comments about how different Lance’s throwing motion looked.
Christensen has worked with several NFL quarterbacks including Mahomes, Jimmy Garoppolo, Kirk Cousins, Mitchell Trubisky, Matt Blanchard, Zac Dysert, Mike Kafka, Chandler Harnish, Drew Stanton, Christian Ponder, Tom Savage, Brett Basanez, Andrew Hendrix, and Trevor Siemian.
The website of Christensen’s business, throwitdeep.com, does a good job of laying out the techniques the coach believes in. “Our QB training starts from the ground up, focusing on laying a solid foundation to allow for balance plus control. The misconception around the QB position is that you need to have a strong arm to throw the football, but that is simply just not the case. Our training philosophy is 100% based off of biomechanics that allow for maximum performance and minimum stress on the body.”
On Monday another video of Lance throwing hit the internet. This time there were multiple views and we were able to get a full look at Lance in action.
Let’s take a look at the new clips of Lance and compare them to clips from Lance during his Pro Day at North Dakota State.
Five Quick
The first throw is an example of five quick. This is a quick five step drop, plant, throw.
As you can see, Lance has made a slight adjustment to where carries the ball during his drop. In the clip from recent workouts the ball is slightly above the waist until Lance gets to his plant step. On that final step, Lance brings the ball up to his chest and begins the throwing motion.
Five, Hitch and Throw
The second example shows Lance takings a shotgun snap followed by a five step drop with a hitch and throw.
As with the first example, the only change is where Lance is holding the ball during his drop. The rest of the motion is the same.
The lack of change isn’t a bad thing.
As is the case with every sport, there’s not just one way to be successful. Throwing the football is no different. The key is the ability to consistently repeat the motion.
Think of it like this. In the movie Happy Gilmore, Happy had the most unconventional golf swing one can imagine. Despite looking funny, the swing worked because Happy was able to get the club face in the correct position time after time.
The lack of consistency and repeatability of Lance’s throws is why he will now find himself competing with Sam Darnold this offseason. If Lance’s work with Christensen helps with this, the quarterback has a chance to fulfill the immense potential which led to him being the third selection of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Thanks, Jack.
I have some qualms with trying to turn a QB into something he’s not. Kaepernick tried this during one off season and it destroyed his ability to do what he did best, do things off platform. At one point Harbaugh said that it was a good move for Kaep because learning to be a better pocket passer would give him more NFL longevity. It didn’t!
Lance is a much better passer than Kaep, and sharpening up a few areas in his throwing motion will only help.
But unlike Harbaugh, I don’t see Shanahan trying to undo Lance’s ability to work off platform, which no doubt, was a big reason why Shanahan and Lynch went after him.
But let’s face it, TC will determine if Lance can lock down the starter or backup job.
I wonder if there is any truth at all to the trade rumors? Anyways here is my first full Mock draft.
#99 Zach Harrison DE Ohio St. if he is not avaiable Ya Ya Diaby DE Louisville
#101 Blake Freeland OT BYU
#102 Luke Schoonmaker TE Mich.
#155 Christopher Smith S Georgia
#164 Tre’vius Hodges-Tomlinson CB TCU
#173 Keaton Mitchell RB E Car
#216 Dorian Thompson-Robinson QB UCLA
#222 Ryan Hayes OT Mich
#247 D.J. Johnson DE Ore
#253 Andrei Iosivas WR Princeton
#255 Chad Ryland K Maryland
Next I am going to try a BPA draft on a draft simulator. I wont just draft BPA but I will rank the 9ers positional needs and draft the best player at that position. Unless there is no player at that position in the top 5 players available, then I will move on to the next position. I hope to see more Mocks around here soon. We really need Sebnynah he used to do at least 20 mocks.
OldCoach says, ” We really need Sebnynah?”
No no no and hell no!
Absolutely correct!…we need him, like we need BayArea’s input, not only on the QB situation, but all things 49ers
I like your mock
Just finished a BPA draft with a draft simulator
#99 Tucker Kraft TE S. Dakota St.
#101 Andre Carter II Edge Army
#102 J.L. Skinner S Boise
#155 Eric Gray RB Ok
#164 Moro Ojomo DT Tex
#173 Nick Saldiveri OT Old Dominion
#216 Brenton Cox Edge Fla
#222 Starling Thomas I CB UAB
#247 Rakim Jarrett WR Maryland
#253 Chad Ryland K Maryland
#255 Mekhi Blackmon CB USC
The simulator graded this draft as between an A+ and an A. I wonder if I will hit on any picks in either of my mocks?
OC, yes Seb was creative but I don’t think he ever got a draft pick right.
I think you forgot to put in a trade to move up the board. We have a lot of picks, they usually bundle some to get into the 2nd round.
Hi Jack
I am sure you are somewhat right about this. I Also think a reason for competition and him not being the presumed starter with BP hurt is not enough time on the field for the 3 seasons he has been on this team. We will have to wait to see what happens for real. During his time at ND when he played he was a winning QB. I think he can be good he just needs a chance.
Yes, Trey needs a chance but it’s probably not going to be with the Niners. They seem pretty set on Purdy as they should so unless Brock gets injured this year I don’t see Trey getting a chance with the Niners.
There’s to much uncertainty with Darnold at this point to assume that he might be a shoo-in for the #2 QB, imho.
Trey has not had a chance to increase his value to this point. He will need a very strong TC to prove himself. He seems to be doing his best to do just that.
Yes, I’d still go 1. Brock 2. Trey 3. Darnold
Believe it or not Lance is a much better passer than Kaep, and sharpening up a few areas in his throwing motion will only help.