The San Francisco 49ers are rolling with Brock Purdy as their quarterback of the future, and according to a recent ESPN poll of NFL executives, scouts, and coaches, he’s got some serious tricks up his sleeve. While Purdy got an honorable mention just outside the top-10 ranked QBs, one NFC executive didn't hold back, spilling the beans on two "superpowers" that make him a force to be reckoned with, even if he's not in the same tier as a Mahomes or Burrow. The exec said Purdy is "elite" in these two areas, and that's a game-changer.
This Dude Can Layer The Ball Like NOBODY Else
First up: Purdy's uncanny ability to "layer the ball." Seriously, this is a huge strength in his game, especially in that Kyle Shanahan offense. What does that even mean? It's his knack for dropping a pass over a defender or squeezing it perfectly between multiple defenders to hit a receiver who'd be completely covered for most other QBs. Think about it, that opens up so many more options as a passer! The exec specifically highlighted this skill, saying it's why Purdy even got top-10 votes. It means he can make throws that just aren't there for lesser quarterbacks, turning tight windows into completions. That's pure magic when you're trying to move the chains.The Shot-Area Quickness To Stay Alive Is REAL
But wait, there's more! Purdy's second "superpower" is his "shot-area quickness to stay alive." Now, don't confuse this with him being a speedy scrambler; he's not typically running the ball a ton. This is all about his elite ability to avoid disaster when the pocket collapses. Instead of taking a soul-crushing sack, Purdy can turn it into a throwaway, scramble for a short gain, or even complete a pass. Last season, he only took 11 sacks in nine games, which is an insane 3.73% sack rate. Being able to escape pressure and keep plays alive like that is massively important for any quarterback, and Purdy is absolutely elite at it. He simply refuses to let a bad situation become a catastrophic one. Combine that ability to thread needles with his knack for escaping pressure and making something out of nothing, and you've got a seriously good quarterback. The 49ers have a guy who might not be a top-tier legend, but he's "good-enough to win with," and that combination of skills makes him incredibly dangerous. When they line up, Purdy's going to be using these "superpowers" to keep defenses guessing.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.