Which QB should Dolphins fans root for the 49ers to pick at No. 3?
The Miami Dolphins, once upon a time, held the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft for themselves. But these days, the San Francisco 49ers are the gatekeepers of the real “open” of the 2021 NFL Draft. The first two selections are generally considered to be “chalk”, with Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson widely assumed to be the top two choices. San Francisco’s quarterback decision will loom large over the rest of the top-10 selections — there’s a significant domino effect awaiting the 49ers choice.
And with Miami still picking at No. 6, those dominoes will certainly be impacting the Dolphins as much as any team who isn’t presumed to be in the quarterback market in this year’s first round.
So the Dolphins are going to be keeping a close eye on the process and results of the 49ers’ quarterback search — and Dolphins fans should certainly have a specific rooting interest in mind.
Mac Jones. Number 3 overall.
Why? The 49ers’ decision to draft Mac Jones would push another of the more physically gifted quarterbacks, such as Trey Lance or Justin Fields, into the laps of the Atlanta Falcons. Depending on how much you believe reports from this time of year, the Falcons appear to be in consideration for a quarterback at No. 4 — but only if the right quarterback falls into their laps. It feels unlikely that Jones would be that quarterback and the understanding already exists that Lawrence and Wilson will already be off the board; so the Falcons may be prompted to choose a quarterback if they like what they see at No. 4 overall.
But if the 49ers draft Atlanta’s preferred quarterback, the Falcons will have the opportunity to justify passing on a quarterback and instead calling on Florida TE Kyle Pitts with their top choice. And for the Dolphins, having the best available pass catchers (regardless of their preference) on the board at No. 6 is good for business.
Pitts falling to No. 6 feels directly dependent on which quarterback the 49ers select. So the choice is clear, Dolphins fans: root for Jones to San Francisco at No. 3 overall on Thursday.
