Brock Purdy's former teammate, Xavier Hutchinson, is straight-up saying we haven't even seen the best of the 49ers QB yet. Hutchinson is hyped, dropping comments about Purdy still needing to prove it every single season and game, but also that there are "so many areas that he has to work on." He believes Purdy feels the same way, and he's "super excited" to see him "put it all together." If this guy is right, and Purdy really has another gear, the league better watch out.
Purdy's Unlocked Potential and Roster Gaps
Hutchinson didn't hold back, basically confirming what some folks probably already suspect about Purdy. He says, "Yeah, I don't see why not," and that Purdy "has to prove it every single season, in every single game, and I think that's exactly what he's done." The kicker: "I don't even think this is the best that we've seen of him, and I know that he believes that himself, too." He's clearly rooting for his guy, wishing him the best and saying, "That's my guy." This kind of talk has to make Niners fans giddy and anxious. Can he actually elevate his game even more? If so, that's a new problem for opposing defenses. But even with Purdy's potential, CBS Sports identified a clear roster hole for the 49ers: their defensive line. Edwards pointed out that "Osa Odighizuwa brings stability to the unit, but others on rookie contracts need to take the next step in their careers." Sounds like they need young guys to pop off. The interior offensive line is a "point of contention" for Edwards with 49ers fans, but Kyle Shanahan has "proven that he can win" with whoever he starts at training camp. Maybe that O-line isn't as big a worry as the D-line.The Connor Colby Conundrum
Speaking of offensive linemen, the second-year jump for Connor Colby is a big question. His rookie season was a rollercoaster. He showed serious athleticism with his 40 and broad jump, looked good moving laterally, and could latch onto linebackers. When he was "the aggressor" and used jump sets, he was at his best. But when opponents tried to cross his face or make him change direction, it was a different story. The Cardinals isolated Josh Sweat on Colby in Week 3, and it got ugly, with Colby blowing eight blocks, seven in pass protection. Teams figured it out, and he was benched, only getting 25 snaps in Week 8 and no meaningful action after. He needs to "find the fine line" between aggression and patience. That could be "the difference between him starting and not starting." The 49ers are heading into this season with their QB getting major hype about untapped potential, but also some glaring questions in the trenches. It's gonna be a wild ride to see if Purdy hits that next gear and if those D-line and O-line questions get answered. The pressure is on, and the season is almost here.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.