49ers have been talking with North Texas QB Mason Fine, per Tom Pelissero

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero said on a video Monday afternoon that the San Francisco 49ers have been talking with North Texas quarterback Mason Fine. The 5’11”, 190 pound QB was a two-star recruit that arrived at North Texas as the sixth-string quarterback. Halfway through the season, Fine worked his way into the lineup. Fine was also a participant at the East-West Shrine Game, where the 49ers also met with FIU’s quarterback James Morgan. In the video linked, one coach said, “Fine is an absolute baller, the issue is, he’s a shade under 5’10” and 189 pounds.”

SIS’s rookie handbook ranked Morgan 12th out of 17 for draftable quarterbacks. Fine? 17th out of 17:

Fine has the poise, decision making, and leadership to contribute as a backup at the next level, but inconsistent footwork, lacking arm strength, and his small stature likely limits him. Fine projects as an eventual No. 2 quarterback at the next level. His body type will keep him from being able to start for a team but has some parts to his game that should help a team if needed to play.

I rely on Emory Hunt from Football Gameplan as Emory ranked small school players for a living. He ranked his quarterbacks a month ago and had Fine No. 6. ahead of Justin Herbert! I asked Emory about Fine:

He plays the SAME game as Baker Mayfield; he might have a stronger arm than him. In 2-min/hurry-up situations or an uptempo offense, he can execute really well.

Here is Emory’s write-up on Fine, who will be available as a UDFA. He disagrees about Fine’s arm strength:

Shanahan’s offense is all about timing, anticipation, and knowing where to go with the football. Fine sounds like a serviceable backup to Jimmy G.