One of the biggest talking points of the NFL season has been the play of quarterback Brock Purdy. After his incredible play last year, questions surfaced on whether he could continue to play at that level.
The 2022 Mr. Irrelevant has shown that last season wasn’t a fluke, as he has been even better this season. Even general manager John Lynch would tell you they couldn’t have dreamed Purdy would be this good.
What made the San Francisco 49ers even draft him is an interesting conversation, as they already had a young talented quarterback on the roster.
Trey Lance Trade Quickly Appeared That It Wasn’t Going To Work Out
The 49ers made a bold move in the 2021 NFL Draft, as they made a blockbuster trade to move up to No. 3 to take Trey Lance.
To get that pick, they had to trade the No. 12 pick that year, a first and a third-round pick in 2022, and a first-round pick in 2023. The Dolphins were able to make out well in the trade, and they have used some of those picks to help them get back to the playoffs.
When you make a move like that, you would think the team would be patient in making sure that the player worked out. However, that didn’t happen.
One of Lance’s biggest issues coming right out of college was a lack of experience playing. He had a shortened year at North Dakota State because of COVID-19, and he hadn’t taken many steps. It was becoming apparent quickly that Lance wasn’t the guy.
Drafting a Quarterback in the Seventh Round Is a Hail Mary, but It Worked for the 49ers
Now, did they take Purdy expecting him to be a star? No. But when you are drafting a guy with the last pick, you are taking a chance on someone that could set your franchise on a different trajectory.
Purdy showed play-making ability during his time at Iowa State that led teams to believe he could be a serviceable quarterback.
The Cyclones went to new heights with Purdy at the quarterback position, as the team even won the 2021 Fiesta Bowl over Oregon, 34-17.
The fact Iowa State was winning those games showed a lot of why Purdy would be attractive. With a lot of college quarterbacks, it is more about the system. They are allowed to make easy passes, with the receivers making the QBs look good. The Cyclones receivers also weren’t creating major separation, meaning Purdy had to show he could put the ball in tight spots.
KEEP READING: Brock Purdy’s Salary — Comparing the 49ers QB With the Highest-Paid QBs
Now, just two years after being Mr. Irrelevant, he is leading the 49ers against the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. It could be a repeat appearance, too, if he hadn’t got hurt against the Philadelphia Eagles last year in the NFC Championship Game.
With a win on Sunday, the Purdy story hits its highest point. Regardless, though, Purdy has shown he is a true starting quarterback in the NFL. Mr. Irrelevant bailed the 49ers out on their monster failure with Lance.
As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!
