Evaluating QBs galore to offensive line questions
Brock Purdy got put on the spot in his first act as the 49ers' latest quarterback, and he responded splendidly Saturday, shortly after being the final pick of the NFL draft.
What does he know about the 49ers' storied history of quarterbacks, past and present?
“Obviously they had one of the greatest in Joe Montana, and Steve Young. After that, I'm not so sure,” Purdy responded in a video conference call.
That sums up the 49ers' plight the past two decades. After Young's 1999 exit, the 49ers have started 18 different quarterbacks. Purdy is well aware of the last two, mind you.
“With Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo and what they did last year, and the years before with Jimmy G, I respect it so much and it's honestly enjoyable watching him,” Purdy said. “How Jimmy operated in the system and was so decisive, I really respected that.
“With Trey Lance, he had a great career in college and he's a guy coaches want to build around, I respect that, too. I want to go in and help that quarterback room with whatever they need me to do. I'm all for the team.”
Here is how the 49ers' depth chart projects, unofficially, at all positions:
Quarterback (4)
Trey Lance, Nate Sudfeld, Brock Purdy, Jimmy Garoppolo (injured)
ANALYSIS >> Garoppolo is coming off shoulder surgery and surely will be limited once camp opens in three months, if he's even still on the roster. Come Week 1, look for Lance to assume the starting role, with Nate Sudfeld to earn $2 million as the backup, and Purdy learning the NFL ropes on the practice squad.
Running back (6)
Elijah Mitchell, Jeff Wilson Jr., Trey Sermon, Ty Davis-Price, JaMycal Hasty, Jordan Mason
ANALYSIS >> Davis-Price's thirdround arrival invites fierce competition for backup spots behind Mitchell, last year's rushing leader as a rookie.
Fullback (2)
Kyle Juszczyk, Josh Hokit ANALYSIS >> Juszczyk is coming for his seventh straight Pro Bowl berth, while Hokit has developed into a promising pro.
Wide receiver (12)
Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, Danny Gray, Ray-Ray McCloud, Marcus Johnson, Malik Turner, KeeSean Johnson, Connor Wedington, Austin Mack, Taysir Mack, Tay Martin
ANALYSIS >> Assuming Samuel lands a contract extension and happily returns for his fourth seasons, this unit should be much improved, especially with the development of Aiyuk and Jennings, along with additions of Gray as a deep threat and McCloud as a slot option/returner.
Tight end (6)
George Kittle, Charlie Woerner, Ross Dwelley, Jordan Matthews, Tanner Hudson, Garrett Walston
ANALYSIS >> Expect the same unit as last season, and perhaps Matthews challenges more for a roster spot after last year's conversion from tight end.
Offensive line (16)
Trent Williams (LT), Aaron Banks (LG), Alex Mack (C), Daniel Brunskill (RG), Mike McGlinchey (RT), Colton McKivitz, Jaylon Moore, Jake Brendel, Justin Skule, Spencer Burford, Nick Zakelj, Keaton Sutherland, Alfredo Gutierrez, Jason Poe, Sam Schlueter, Dohnovan West
ANALYSIS >> Mack's potential retirement would prompt the 49ers to sign a free agent such as J.C. Tretter or Trey Hopkins, otherwise Brendel, Brunskill and McKivitz could vie for it, when they and the rookies aren't competing with Banks for Laken Tomlinson's vacated spot at left guard. McGlinchey's return from quadriceps repair is encouraging, and any line with Williams anchoring the left side is de facto among the NFL's elite.