Since bursting onto the scene with an impressive performance in the 2023 season, Brock Purdy – quarterback (QB) of the San Francisco 49ers – continues to be inexplicably underrated by other NFL teams. Dubbed “Mr. Irrelevant” as the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, Purdy has proven his worth by leading the 49ers to the NFC Championship and securing a spot among the top 5 QBs with the highest passer rating of the season (119.4). Yet, skepticism from general managers (GMs) and coaches persists. Through data analysis and anonymous interviews with NFL insiders, three key reasons emerge to explain why Purdy hasn’t earned the trust he arguably deserves.
1. The Height Bias – When the NFL Overvalues Physical Standards
Standing at 6’1″ (1.85m), Purdy falls short of the NFL’s average QB height range of 6’3″ to 6’5″. While not a fatal flaw, this has become a psychological barrier for many GMs. An anonymous assistant coach remarked: “Teams tend to favor QBs with a clear view over the defensive line. With Purdy, there’s concern he’ll struggle when taller defenders rush in.”
Yet, stats from Pro Football Focus (PFF) reveal Purdy was sacked just 23 times in 13 games during the 2023 season – significantly fewer than Patrick Mahomes (26) or Josh Allen (33). This highlights his mobility and quick decision-making, compensating for his height. Still, the entrenched bias toward “tall and big” QBs lingers, especially among teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers or New York Giants, which favor traditional prototypes.
Comparisons to successful shorter QBs offer context: Drew Brees (6’0″) earned 4 Passing Yards Leader titles and a Super Bowl MVP, while Russell Wilson (5’11”) boasts a Super Bowl ring and 9 Pro Bowl nods. However, both needed years to gain recognition – time Purdy hasn’t yet had.
2. Doubts About His Playing Style – A “Shanahan System Product”?
Purdy is often labeled a “system quarterback,” a byproduct of head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense tailored to maximize QB efficiency. An anonymous GM noted: “We admire what Purdy’s done, but it’s hard to tell if it’s individual talent or the result of Deebo Samuel, Christian McCaffrey, and an elite offensive line.”
Data supports this skepticism: Purdy’s completion rate is 67.1% when unpressured but drops to 52.3% under blitz – a steeper decline than Mahomes (62.8% to 58.9%). This fuels doubts about his ability to improvise without top-tier support. Counterarguments, however, are compelling. In the 2023 NFC Championship, Purdy threw 2 passing touchdowns and ran for another despite McCaffrey’s absence in the fourth quarter. He also ranked 3rd league-wide in QBR (74.7) on 3rd downs, proving his clutch performance under pressure.
3. The Elbow Injury Concern – Durability in Question
Despite successfully undergoing elbow ligament surgery in March 2023, teams remain wary of Purdy’s long-term durability. An NFL sports physician explained: “Elbow injuries are tricky for QBs. Even with a full recovery, the risk of reinjury rises if he keeps playing with such a mobile style.”
Stats show Purdy endured 17 hard hits post-recovery – a 30% increase from pre-injury levels – raising red flags for GMs considering a long-term investment. On the flip side, Purdy’s resilience shines through: he played 13 of 17 games in 2023. Per PFF, his average time to throw (2.3 seconds) ranks 4th shortest in the league, minimizing his exposure to hits.
Conclusion: Can Purdy Shatter the Skepticism in 2024?
The NFL’s doubts about Brock Purdy stem from a mix of physical bias, questions about his individual skill, and injury concerns. Yet, if he maintains consistency and leads the 49ers to a Super Bowl in 2024, he could force the league to rethink its QB evaluation standards.
Future Predictions:
Should Purdy rack up 4,500+ passing yards and 35+ touchdowns in 2024, QB-needy teams like the Las Vegas Raiders or Minnesota Vikings might take a chance on him. His success could pave the way for a new generation of QBs, prioritizing tactical intelligence and adaptability over raw physicality.
A Lesson from History: When Drew Brees left the San Diego Chargers in 2006 amid shoulder injury concerns, few predicted he’d become a New Orleans Saints legend. Can Brock Purdy repeat this history? The answer hinges on how he overcomes the psychological barriers the NFL has set before him. Time will tell.