With the 227th pick in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers made a surprising move by selecting quarterback Kurtis Rourke from Indiana University. This decision left many fans wondering: why would a team already stocked with Brock Purdy, Mac Jones, and Tanner Mordecai invest in another quarterback, especially one recovering from an ACL injury? The answer lies in the 49ers’ long-term strategy, their belief in Rourke’s potential, and their past success with late-round picks.
The Potential of a Diamond in the Rough
Kurtis Rourke, 24, is no stranger to scouts. He had an impressive college career, starting 46 of 48 games at Ohio and Indiana, amassing 10,692 passing yards, 79 touchdowns, and just 21 interceptions. In the 2024 season, Rourke broke Indiana’s single-season record with 29 touchdown passes, completed 69.4% of his passes, and led the Hoosiers to their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance. These numbers highlight his ability to read defenses, deliver accurate throws, and perform under pressure.
“I like his size, the way he throws, and how he plays the position,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said. “I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Indiana had a great season. He played with a broken finger and a torn ACL, and he was still impressive.”
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 220 pounds, Rourke has the ideal frame for a pocket-passing quarterback. He excels at delivering timely and accurate throws from a clean pocket. However, a recurring ACL injury—first sustained in 2022 and aggravated in 2024—prevented him from participating in events like the NFL Combine or pro day, which lowered his draft stock.
The 49ers’ Strategy: Investing in the Future
Selecting Rourke reflects the 49ers’ philosophy of building depth at the most critical position on the field. Three years ago, they drafted Brock Purdy with the final pick (No. 262) of the 2022 NFL Draft, and Purdy is now the team’s starting quarterback. This success has emboldened head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch to take another chance on a seventh-round quarterback, especially one like Rourke, who was widely regarded as a higher-round talent if not for his injury.
“We took him knowing he might not be medically cleared until training camp,” Lynch said. “But we feel he has a lot of talent and upside. You can never have too many good quarterbacks.”
With Purdy as the cornerstone, Mac Jones as a short-term backup, and Tanner Mordecai competing for the third spot, Rourke is likely a long-term investment. He could spend his rookie season fully recovering and learning Shanahan’s complex offensive system, which demands quick decision-making and precision from quarterbacks.
Rourke’s Resilience and Character
What impressed the 49ers wasn’t just Rourke’s skill set but also his resilience. Rourke played the entire 2024 season with a torn ACL, using a knee brace and still performing at a high level. He only discovered the full extent of the injury after the season and underwent surgery in January 2025. According to NFL Network, Rourke has been cleared to throw and is expected to be ready for training camp by late July.
“He’s a winner,” scouting director Josh Williams said. “He won at Ohio, he won at Indiana. He sees the field well, he’s very accurate, and he’s extremely tough.”
Rourke also brings an intriguing backstory: he’s the first Canadian-born quarterback drafted since Jesse Palmer in 2001. His maturity and experience—having been named MAC Offensive Player of the Year in 2022 and All-Big Ten in 2024—could help him transition quickly to the professional level.
Risk and Reward
Drafting Rourke is not without risks. His recurring ACL injury raises questions about his long-term durability, and his less-mobile playing style makes him reliant on a strong offensive line. Additionally, with three other quarterbacks on the roster, Rourke faces stiff competition to secure a spot on the 53-man roster. Some analysts predict he may spend a “redshirt” season recovering and developing.
However, the potential reward is significant. If Rourke fully recovers and adapts to Shanahan’s system, he could become a reliable backup or even another late-round gem like Purdy. The 49ers’ West Coast offense, which prioritizes rhythm and accuracy, seems well-suited to Rourke’s strengths.
Conclusion
The 49ers’ selection of Kurtis Rourke in the seventh round is a calculated gamble, rooted in their confidence in his abilities and their track record of success with late-round quarterbacks. While he may not make an immediate impact, Rourke brings potential, resilience, and a compelling story to the 49ers’ quarterback room. Under Kyle Shanahan’s guidance and in an environment conducive to growth, Rourke has a chance to prove he’s a worthy part of the team’s long-term plans.