Brock Purdy, the signal-caller who has consistently led the 49ers to success since taking over their offense, is still not viewed as one of the best quarterbacks in the game. That is according to a new ESPN ranking compiled by Jeremy Fowler, which polled NFL executives, coaches, and scouts for their top-10 QBs. Purdy, who missed eight regular-season games in 2025 due to injury, did not crack the top-10 list, though he did receive an honorable mention.
The "Superpowers" They Can't Deny
So, what did those polled have to say about Purdy? Well, one NFC executive praised him for boasting two "superpowers." "He has got two superpowers," the executive stated, "Layering the ball and short-area quickness to stay alive. He's elite in those two areas." The ability to layer the ball, fitting it over linebackers and in front of safeties, is absolutely crucial for any quarterback running Kyle Shanahan’s system. Why? Because that scheme relies heavily on intermediate throws over the middle of the field. While Purdy might not have the pure arm strength of some of the top-10 guys, his touch and consistent accuracy on those layered throws are a huge reason why the 49ers’ passing offense has actually improved since he became the starter back in 2022.Quickness and Compensation
Beyond his touch, Purdy's short-area quickness has also raised both the floor and the ceiling of that 49er attack. Sure, his athletic traits are not on the same level as a Lamar Jackson or a Josh Allen, but his knack for escaping pressure and extending plays with his legs has injected a whole new dimension into the 49er offense that simply wasn't there before. The team initially hoped for an Allen-level talent when they drafted Trey Lance in 2021, but Purdy's threat as both a thrower and a runner outside the pocket has helped make up for Lance not panning out. San Francisco does not have an elite athlete under center, but with Purdy, they have a signal-caller whose combination of traits allows them to consistently churn out superior offensive production compared to teams with more traditionally "athletic" QBs. Between his two "superpowers," his underrated processing ability, and his willingness to aggressively push the ball deep, Purdy's mix of traits makes him an excellent fit for Shanahan's offense. He operates superbly within the structure and always finds a way. The only question now is, when will the rest of the league truly catch up to what he brings to the field?This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.