If San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy continues to struggle, picking Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. makes a lot of sense.
That’s how Sports Illustrated’s All 49ers’ Tom Jensen views the 2024 NFL Draft. Purdy, the former Mr. Irrelevant in the 2022 draft, hasn’t followed up to his early excellent start recently, as he’s lost three games in a row and committed six turnovers.
“[Kyle] Shanahan can draft Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. if he falls, the most accurate college deep thrower in years, but with an injury history,” Jensen wrote in a blog post. “Penix makes an eight-man defense pay.” The Niners might select a defensive end or a shutdown corner in the draft. Purdy’s long-term chances as a starter are diminished by any of these possibilities.”
Penix has completed 69.4% of his passes for 3,201 yards with 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions. While he can make plays with his legs, he doesn’t rely on them after rushing for less than 100 yards and scoring only five times in two seasons with the Huskies.
49ers Picking for Brock Purdy Still an Option
Despite the team’s current struggles following a 5-0 start, San Francisco appears ready to take No. 26 or below. Despite Purdy’s part in the team’s recent troubles, Jensen did not rule out the possibility of Purdy emerging as a franchise quarterback and the 49ers investing in him with the No. 26 pick — or wherever the Niners end up.
“Purdy has the potential to be the franchise quarterback.” To do so, he’ll need a balanced offense and Shanahan to prioritize pass protection for the first time in over seven years, according to Jensen.
“In the upcoming draft, Shanahan will have the opportunity to do so.” If he succeeds, two major worries regarding Purdy’s health and efficiency will be addressed,” Jensen stated. “If not, then Purdy is a high injury risk, and his potential lack of availability or losing while playing hurt will ultimately be his undoing.”
Brock Purdy’s Health Remains an X-Factor in the 49ers’ Decision
Purdy’s postseason run in 2022 ended abruptly due to an elbow injury that necessitated Tommy John surgery. Purdy’s most recent injury problem was a concussion suffered in a defeat to the Minnesota Vikings, followed by a speedy recovery against the Cincinnati Bengals in late October.
“The turnovers in the last two weeks, in my view Purdy shouldn’t have been playing,” Jensen stated in a blog post. “In my experience, a severe concussion saps your mental stamina, causes you to lose focus and acuity more quickly, and causes you to fade.” You think you’re normal, but you’re not. Late-night judgments result from a lack of attention.”
Jensen chimed in on the case for and against Purdy as the 49ers’ franchise quarterback. The analyst eventually determined that the team’s first-round pick would be the most gifted, but Jensen also observed that Purdy hasn’t had a fully healthy offseason to concentrate on his game.
“What changes will we see when he does?” Improved mechanics, accuracy, and arm strength? The Purdy who emerges from that offseason is the one who must be evaluated. “That quarterback is the one who decides whether he will be a starter or a backup,” Jensen wrote.
