Peak offseason content is ranking each starting QB, and sometimes backup QB’s, from 32 to one. Fan bases line up to defend their guy, and it makes for interesting debates and conversations. Then there is Brock Purdy. The 49ers quarterback is such an interesting case study. In many ways, Purdy and Kyle Shanahan are the NFL version of “the chicken and the egg.” Does Shanahan elevate Purdy, or does Purdy elevate Shanahan’s system?
The answer isn’t black and white. Much like many football debates, the
answer is gray and requires nuance. While it is safe to say any quarterback under Shanahan has enjoyed their best days in the NFL, Purdy isn’t some charity case. Elevating guys like Nick Mullens and reviving Mac Jones somehow is an argument against Purdy. The truth is, Shanahan’s system is very QB-friendly, but that doesn’t make Purdy just some guy who is benefiting.
The conversation continues as ESPN’s Mina Kimes and Benjamin Solak unveil their QB rankings, with Purdy right in the middle at No. 15.
Both analysts praised Purdy’s mobility and his ability to create offense without star receivers. Still, they ultimately dinged the quarterback for his struggles against elite defenses and for Shanahan’s ability to scheme receivers open.
Kimes kicked off the discussion, saying Shanahan helps, but Purdy’s ability to avoid pressure and sacks elevates Shanahan’s offense.
“How much of this is Kyle Shanahan? How much of this is the team? You know, ’cause statistically he’s top five in everything, right? You know, he always is. The thing that really jumped out to me, by the way, he was first in pressure to sack rate?”
“ But I also think the fact that he managed to produce the way he did last year without obviously Brandon Aiyuk, with Kittle missing a good chunk of the season, with Ricky Pearsall missing a good chunk of the season, we gotta give him credit for that.”
Kimes did point out how well Jones performed while Purdy was out. However, the ESPN analyst has seen enough to evaluate Purdy independent of Shanahan.
“But if you’re talking about three years, like I think I’ve seen enough from Brock Purdy where even without Kyle Shanahan, as much as he benefits from him, I still think you’re gonna get good quarterback play. I really do.”
The discussion and debates around Purdy will continue because being the last pick in the draft has broken the QB evaluation community. Ultimately, he will be talked down on because of draft capital and Shanahan’s scheme.
The easiest way to dismiss any discussion is to win a Lombardi. If Purdy does that, rank him wherever you want. You can keep the rankings; we’ll take the ring.
