Dan Hanzus released his final power rankings of the 2021 season, this time a post-Super Bowl edition. Obviously, the Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams sit in the top spot following their win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Where did Kyle Shanahan's squad, the San Francisco 49ers, land within Hanzus' ranking? He has the Bay Area team at No. 6, behind the Rams, Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Bengals, and Green Bay Packers.
More interesting are Hanzus' notes, taking a small shot at the soon-to-be-former 49ers quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo. San Francisco had an impressive playoff run, knocking off two division winners, including the top-seeded Packers, on the way to the team's second NFC Championship Game appearance in three seasons. However, Garoppolo proved not "special" enough to carry the team in Hanzus' eyes while playing through thumb and shoulder injuries.
The NFL.com writer wonders if Trey Lance will eventually be "special" enough to help the Niners hoist the Lombardi Trophy again.
"It makes the biggest decision of the offseason an easy one for Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch," wrote Hanzus. "Try to maximize return in a Jimmy G trade and clear the runway for Lance, the 2021 No. 3 overall pick who played only sparingly in San Francisco's roller-coaster ride to the NFC title game."
Most expect the 49ers to shop Garoppolo, eventually trading away their starting quarterback of four-and-a-half seasons. While there have been a lot of quarterback rumors flying around over the past week, the most likely scenario remains San Francisco transitioning to Lance.
Lance will be just 22 years old at the start of the 2022 season and will have a lot of talent around him with which to work. Star players like Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, Trent Williams, Nick Bosa, and Fred Warner are just a few of the names that should make things easier on the young quarterback.
Hanzus continued, "Lance is well set up for success: The Niners have impact players across the offense and a play-caller in Shanahan who will know how to maximize Lance's varied skill set. This offseason will be about getting the kid ready for the challenge of his life."