The San Francisco 49ers' decision to draft Trey Lance (quarterback from North Dakota State) at No. 3 in the 2021 NFL Draft is often criticized as one of the team's biggest blunders in the last 25 years. The 49ers traded significant assets, including the 12th overall pick and future first- and third-round picks, to move up for Lance, who had limited experience and only started one year in college. In contrast, linebacker Micah Parsons, selected by the Dallas Cowboys, has proven to be a standout player, earning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and becoming a five-time Pro Bowler with 65 career sacks in just five seasons. Despite Lance's potential, he struggled to secure the starting position and faced injuries, leading to his trade to Dallas for a fourth-round pick in 2023. The 49ers could have retained their draft capital and selected Parsons, who would have complemented star edge rusher Nick Bosa. Fortunately for San Francisco, the emergence of Brock Purdy as a legitimate quarterback has somewhat alleviated the fallout from the Lance pick, but many believe Parsons would have been the wiser choice.