Few subjects have created such furor and online debate like Trey Lance’s arm. His throwing motion, reported “arm fatigue,” and injuries have created a situation where the No. 3 overall pick is a living mystery.
He is clearly not a finished product, but can the 49ers wait for him to get there? This summer’s period of OTAs and training camp will go a long way in determining what his future will look like.
As it stands, Lance has apparently made some changes. Kyle Shanahan said last week that his mechanics are “the best” they’ve ever been.
He worked out with Patrick Mahomes this offseason, and according to The Athletic’s Matt Barrows, has altered his throwing motion.
Per Barrows, Lance has worked with private throwing coach Jeff Christensen, who said a lightbulb went off in Lance’s head from watching Mahomes throw. Christensen told Barrows he can normally see flaws in a throwing motion after a day, but it took him four to identify issues in Lance’s throwing motion.
Those issues were deemed “significant” and led to some of the reported arm fatigue and pain Lance was dealing with. He would need a day off after “three days of intense work” before his motion underwent changes.
The changes weren’t outlined in detail in the piece — Shanahan said his “base,” “feet” and “timing” have improved — but Christensen said his accuracy improved, spin increased and delivery time was shortened. He also offered the following:
Where he wound up on the last day — he was 25 percent ahead of where I thought he’d be.
Lance will have to battle with Sam Darnold — who has been getting some rave reviews this offseason — if he’s to reclaim the No. 2 job and potentially push to take back a starting role.
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