To say San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy caught the NFL by surprise would be an understatement. As the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the former Iowa State standout entered the league with few believing he could become a franchise quarterback—especially after the 49ers had used a top-three draft pick on Trey Lance just one year earlier.

Everything changed when injuries sidelined San Francisco's top two quarterbacks. Thrust into action late in his rookie season, Purdy seized the opportunity, and the 49ers haven't looked back. Since becoming the team's starter, he has led San Francisco to two NFC Championship Game appearances and a Super Bowl berth.


Purdy's remarkable rise culminated in a five-year, $265 million contract extension before the 2025 season.

His success has left many wondering how every NFL team overlooked him during the draft process. Purdy lacked the elite physical traits scouts typically covet. Still, allowing him to slip to the final pick of the draft is now widely viewed as one of the biggest evaluation misses in recent NFL history.

As a result, NFL evaluators continue searching for the next Brock Purdy—a late-round quarterback capable of dramatically outperforming his draft status. The 49ers are hoping they may have found such a player in 2025 seventh-round pick Kurtis Rourke, who spent last season on the non-football injury (NFI) list while recovering from a knee injury. If his development continues, Rourke could eventually replace Mac Jones as Purdy's primary backup. Jones is scheduled to become a free agent after the season.

Ralph Vacchiano of FOX Sports recently asked several NFL scouts and evaluators which quarterbacks from the 2026 NFL Draft class could follow a Brock Purdy-like career path.

Cade Klubnik, a fourth-round pick by the New York Jets, topped the list. Even so, comparing a fourth-round selection to the final pick in the draft isn't exactly an apples-to-apples comparison. Though the lack of talent in the Jets' quarterback room gives Klubnik an edge.


Several sixth- and seventh-round selections also earned mentions: Garrett Nussmeier of the Kansas City Chiefs, Taylen Green of the Cleveland Browns, Behren Morton of the New England Patriots, and Athan Kaliakmanis of the Washington Commanders. Still, many of those have franchise quarterbacks ahead of them on the depth chart.

While Purdy's rise initially seemed improbable, he also landed in an ideal situation. More importantly, he maximized that opportunity through relentless preparation and a determination to prove his doubters wrong. When his chance arrived, he led the 49ers offense with poise, confidence, and the decision-making of a seasoned veteran.

Purdy may never silence every critic who questions his ceiling, but he has consistently shown the intelligence and leadership needed to thrive in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense. The 49ers have been reaping the benefits ever since he stepped into the lineup as a rookie.

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