Before the 2025 NFL Draft, 49ers general manager John Lynch attends the Oregon Ducks Pro Day to watch Dillon Gabriel showcase his talent.

As the NFL Draft approaches, every team is looking to assess the best available talent that can help elevate their franchise. For the San Francisco 49ers, this process is no different, as they continue to shape their roster for future success. One name that has recently garnered attention is Dillon Gabriel, the talented quarterback from Oregon, who has been making waves as a potential future star in the NFL. As part of his pre-draft evaluation, John Lynch, the 49ers’ General Manager, attended Oregon’s Pro Day to observe Gabriel’s performance firsthand, signaling a keen interest in his development.

The 49ers have a unique quarterback situation, with Brock Purdy emerging as a potential long-term solution but still dealing with uncertainties about his injury recovery. Moreover, the depth behind Purdy has been an area of concern, and Lynch has continuously expressed a desire to find a reliable backup or potentially another starting-caliber quarterback. With this in mind, Gabriel’s performance at Oregon’s Pro Day could be the tipping point for whether the 49ers decide to target him in the 2025 NFL Draft.

This article will break down why John Lynch’s presence at Gabriel’s Pro Day is significant, what Gabriel showcased during the event, and how he might fit into the 49ers’ system as they look toward the future.

Why Was John Lynch at Oregon’s Pro Day?

John Lynch’s presence at Oregon’s Pro Day was not coincidental. As the 49ers’ General Manager, Lynch is heavily involved in the team’s decision-making process, especially when it comes to selecting future quarterbacks. The NFL Draft is a critical time for teams to address any weaknesses and build depth, and Lynch’s attendance at Gabriel’s Pro Day suggests that the 49ers are exploring all available options at the quarterback position.

The 49ers have Brock Purdy as their current starter, but after his remarkable late-season run, questions about his long-term viability remain, especially with the elbow injury he sustained in the NFC Championship Game. While Purdy has shown a great deal of promise, his recovery and the potential for a backup quarterback with more upside might be what the 49ers are seeking.

Further, the 49ers are known for their dynamic offense under head coach Kyle Shanahan, which often requires a quarterback to be versatile, mobile, and intelligent. Given Gabriel’s unique skill set and strong college career, he might fit into Shanahan’s system as a future project or even as a complementary backup to Purdy.

Dillon Gabriel’s Performance at Oregon’s Pro Day

Gabriel’s Pro Day performance was one of the most highly anticipated events for the 2025 NFL Draft, as it allowed him to showcase his abilities outside the confines of a college game. Pro Day gives scouts, general managers, and coaches a chance to see a player in a controlled environment where they can measure both their physical attributes and football skills.

At Oregon’s Pro Day, Gabriel was able to display his arm strength, mobility, accuracy, and leadership in front of an array of NFL scouts, including Lynch. These were all critical areas of evaluation as teams look for well-rounded quarterbacks who can excel in multiple aspects of the game.

Key Highlights of Dillon Gabriel’s Pro Day Performance:

• Arm Strength: Gabriel consistently demonstrated his ability to drive the ball downfield with velocity. His deep ball, which had been a strength throughout his college career, was on full display at Pro Day. He showcased the kind of arm strength that would make him a threat to push the ball vertically down the field in the NFL.
• Mobility and Movement: Gabriel’s ability to extend plays with his legs was one of the primary areas that NFL teams were watching. His 40-yard dash time was in the low 4.6-second range, which is impressive for a quarterback, indicating his athleticism and ability to evade pressure in the pocket. Additionally, he looked comfortable making throws on the run and extending plays, a key trait for a quarterback in Kyle Shanahan’s system.
• Accuracy: Throughout the day, Gabriel showed that his deep ball wasn’t the only thing that was accurate. He placed throws in tight windows during short and intermediate routes, showing good anticipation and touch. This is particularly important for a quarterback in the 49ers’ offense, which frequently utilizes short, quick passes to set up bigger plays later.
• Leadership: Gabriel’s leadership qualities were clear during his Pro Day, as he ran through drills with confidence and kept the atmosphere upbeat. While the Pro Day is a somewhat low-pressure situation, Gabriel’s vocal leadership and ability to interact with teammates were noted by those in attendance. His command of the offense and poise in front of scouts could make him an attractive prospect for any NFL team looking for a quarterback who can quickly adapt to their culture.

The Fit with the San Francisco 49ers

John Lynch and the 49ers are always looking to enhance their roster in a way that aligns with their established identity. Under Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers have consistently emphasized a balanced offense with a strong running game and a quarterback who can make both quick decisions and accurate throws. Gabriel, who has a reputation for being a dual-threat quarterback, seems to check off a lot of boxes for the 49ers.

Here’s why Gabriel could be a strong fit for the 49ers:

1. Dual-Threat Ability: Gabriel’s mobility and ability to make plays with his legs are crucial qualities for the 49ers. In Shanahan’s system, where bootlegs, play-action passes, and moving the pocket are frequently used, Gabriel’s athleticism would help him excel in these areas. His ability to extend plays and scramble when necessary would add an extra layer of dynamism to the 49ers’ offense.
2. Versatility in the Passing Game: Gabriel’s accuracy, especially in short and intermediate routes, is a trait that aligns well with Shanahan’s offensive philosophy. The 49ers have historically favored quarterbacks who can throw with precision in the short-to-medium range, setting up big plays with their play-action game. Gabriel’s deep ball is strong, but his consistency with the short game could be the key to his success in Shanahan’s scheme.
3. Developmental Potential: One of the most appealing aspects of drafting Gabriel for the 49ers is his potential for development. With Brock Purdy likely to be the starter, Gabriel would have the opportunity to sit behind him and learn from both Purdy and veteran Sam Darnold (who was brought in as a free agent). This could give Gabriel time to refine his mechanics and decision-making before stepping into a more prominent role. Shanahan and Lynch have a history of developing quarterbacks into starters, and Gabriel could be the latest project to benefit from their tutelage.
4. Future of the Quarterback Position: While Purdy’s recovery and long-term viability remain a question, having another talented quarterback with upside could give the 49ers more security moving forward. Gabriel could potentially be groomed as a future starter if Purdy struggles or if injuries become an issue again. Lynch and Shanahan are always looking for young players who can contribute to the team’s future, and Gabriel’s upside as a starting-caliber quarterback could make him an intriguing option for the 49ers.

Draft Prediction: Where Does Dillon Gabriel Fit in the 2025 NFL Draft?

While the 49ers currently have their hands full with other roster decisions and a lack of first-round picks (following their trade for Christian McCaffrey), Gabriel could still be an option in the second or third round. Although he may not be considered a top-tier quarterback like Caleb Williams or Drake Maye, Gabriel has enough tools to warrant significant attention from teams like the 49ers looking for a developmental quarterback with upside.

Given Lynch’s interest in Gabriel at the Pro Day, there’s a chance the 49ers could select him in the second or third round if they believe he fits their long-term vision. The 49ers have been known to prioritize depth and flexibility, and adding a quarterback with Gabriel’s mobility, arm strength, and leadership qualities could make him an appealing option in the middle rounds.