"I was running routes for him," Rice told NFL Network. "It didn't take me long to really be on the same page with him. He's got that rocket arm, but he's also got that mobility and that vision where he can extend plays and throw the ball downfield.
"I'm sure, with repetitions on the field, the players really just building around him, he's going to have a successful year this year."
After trading up into that spot, San Francisco made Lance the No. 3 overall pick in last year's draft. He started only two games during his rookie 2021 campaign. Lance completed 41 of his 71 pass attempts for 603 yards with five passing touchdowns and two interceptions while adding a rushing touchdown in his six game appearances.
Lance has had his share of doubters this offseason, with many pointing to the youngster's inability to get onto the football field more last season. However, most critics fail to factor in Lance's inexperience even at the collegiate level and the fact that San Francisco had a lot of confidence in veteran starter Jimmy Garoppolo leading the talented roster.
The 49ers made it to the NFC Championship Game last season, falling just short of their second Super Bowl appearance in three years. Most expect Lance to be the team's Week 1 starter during the upcoming season.
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