This week, Matt Barrows of The Athletic created another mock draft in which the San Francisco 49ers trade with the Miami Dolphins to move up to the 21st pick. Georgia offensive tackle Amarius Mims is selected by the 49ers. To make the trade, the team gives up No. 31, a few fourth round picks, and a third round pick the next year.
Okay, I’d rather a move up to solidify this offensive line! However, Mims, who has only started eight games in the last two seasons, is a player I am unaware of. Barrows said the following regarding the pick:
The kid has great potential and physical attributes, which I appreciate. However, those mistakes are a big concern. I see Mims as a possible candidate to learn from Trent Williams as a left tackle. The position is crucial in football, second only to the quarterback. The past misfire with Trey Lance, who had limited experience in Division I, still worries me. I’m hesitant to take another player with minimal playing time. Brock Purdy, for example, had more experience but lacked the perceived potential. Based on this experience, I am more inclined to choose a player who has played more games at a higher level of competition rather than someone who has only had one full season as a starter.
Everyone and every situation is unique. I am focusing on one negative event in the Lance/Purdy saga, which may not be a fair representation of the entire situation. I am concerned that the decision for the 49ers’ crucial draft pick may be based more on what they hope the player will become rather than their current abilities.
This is just my speculation on one specific scenario involving two quarterbacks, one striving to be the best while the other, once thought to be the next big thing, is now struggling to secure a spot on the team. Other players like Dante Pettis and Trey Sermon also had experience but didn’t succeed. So, in the grand scheme of things, we cannot predict what will happen. The draft is inherently uncertain.
Considering the choice between experience and potential, which would you prefer if the other aspect was lacking? Is a physically gifted player with only one season of experience a better choice than someone with three seasons under their belt, even if they had some ups and downs?
