The San Francisco 49ers are still grappling with the ramifications of their 2021 NFL Draft decisions, particularly the choice to select running back Trey Sermon over standout Chuba Hubbard, as well as the tumultuous career of quarterback Trey Lance. This discussion has reignited recently, as fans and analysts dissect these draft blunders.
Why it matters: The 49ers' draft strategy in 2021 raises questions about their player evaluation process, particularly as the performance of selected players continues to be compared against those they passed on.
In the 2021 NFL Draft, the 49ers chose Sermon with the No. 88 pick in the third round, a decision now criticized in hindsight.
Chuba Hubbard, selected a round later, has emerged as a key player for the Carolina Panthers, tallying 2,097 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns over the last two seasons.
Sermon only played nine games for the 49ers, amassing just 147 rushing yards before being waived after his rookie season.
The 49ers' decision to draft Sermon over Hubbard has been labeled a major misstep by analysts, with many believing it reflects poorly on their scouting department.
Driving the news: The conversation around the 49ers' draft mistakes gained traction following a recent analysis by Bleacher Report's Damian Parson, who highlighted Hubbard's impressive performance since joining the Panthers.
Parson noted that Hubbard's early career was hampered by limited touches but he has since developed into a central figure in the Panthers' offense.
Hubbard's four-year, $33.2 million contract extension signed in November 2025 signifies his value to the team.
In stark comparison, Sermon has struggled to find a permanent role in the NFL after being released by the 49ers.
State of play: The 49ers' 2021 draft choices are under scrutiny for Sermon and for their selection of Trey Lance, who was picked third in the same draft.
Lance, who had an impressive college career at North Dakota State, was expected to be the franchise quarterback for years.
After starting as a backup to Jimmy Garoppolo, Lance suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 2 of 2022, which derailed his development.
He was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 2023 after struggling to secure a starting position in San Francisco.
As of 2025, Lance is now with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he hopes to revitalize his career behind star quarterback Justin Herbert.
The big picture: The 49ers' decision-making in the 2021 draft has long-term implications for the franchise as they navigate the challenges of developing young talent.
With Lance's trade to the Cowboys and subsequent signing with the Chargers, the 49ers are left to ponder what could have been.
Many analysts believe that Lance's potential was never fully realized, and his exit marks a missed opportunity for the 49ers.
Meanwhile, Hubbard’s rise serves as a reminder of the talent that slipped through the 49ers' fingers during that draft.
What they're saying: Analysts and fans alike have weighed in on the 49ers' draft decisions, pointing out the stark contrasts in the careers of the players involved.
“The 49ers had a chance to secure a top-tier running back, but they went with a player who simply didn’t pan out,” one analyst stated.
Another commented, “Hubbard’s success in Carolina makes the Sermon pick look even worse.”
Fans have expressed frustration over the draft blunders, with many calling for improved scouting and evaluation processes.
By the numbers: The statistics surrounding the 2021 draft choices paint a telling picture of the 49ers' missteps.
Since entering the league, Hubbard has amassed a total of 2,097 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, proving his worth as a starter.
In comparison, Sermon’s 147 rushing yards over nine games highlight a disappointing return on investment.
Lance, in four seasons, has completed 81 passes for 1,063 yards and five touchdowns, illustrating his struggles to find consistency.
What's next: As the 2025 season approaches, the 49ers face the challenge of moving forward from their past draft decisions.
The team needs to focus on enhancing their scouting and player development strategies to avoid similar mistakes in the future.
With Lance now in Los Angeles, the 49ers will be closely monitoring his performance to see if he can finally fulfill the promise he showed in college.
As the NFL season begins, Hubbard to see if he can maintain his upward trend with the Panthers.
This article is grounded in a discussion trending on Reddit. Claims from the original post and comments may not necessarily represent independently verified reporting.