A new NFL power ranking places Brock Purdy surprisingly low, igniting debate about his true standing among league quarterbacks.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is one of the more difficult quarterbacks to evaluate. He's productive, makes plays and wins games, but he does so alongside a head coach in Kyle Shanahan who has won with a handful of other quarterbacks leading the team.
Adding to the already difficult quarterback assessment is the league's first impression of Purdy in the NFL when he was tabbed, "Mr. Irrelevant," as the last pick in the 2022 NFL draft. That impression, though also irrelevant, is one that could follow him in how he is perceived as a player for a while. It appears to be coloring how one NFL analyst views him.
Marc Adams of 49ers Webzone discussed a quarterback power ranking from SB Nation that could be underrating Purdy among fellow NFL quarterbacks. Here's what Adams opined about the power ranking.
"A quarterback ranking shared on X by NFL writer Jarrett Bailey of SB Nation is drawing attention, particularly for where San Francisco 49ers QB Brock Purdy was listed among his peers across the NFL.
The post, which quickly circulated among fans and analysts, slotted Purdy lower than many expected, continuing a trend of national rankings that have placed him outside the league's top tier. Bailey has Purdy ranked 18th on his list, lower than quarterbacks like Jordan Love, Trevor Lawrence, Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, Jared Goff, and C.J. Stroud.
Bailey ranked Purdy just ahead of Aaron Rodgers, Kyler Murray, and Bo Nix. He placed 49ers backup QB Mac Jones 24th on the list.
While the exact ordering of any QB list varies based on who you ask, Purdy's placement mirrors similar evaluations seen since taking over San Francisco's starting spot in 2022. In other rankings, Purdy is usually listed in the mid-to-lower range of starting quarterbacks, despite what he has accomplished in only four seasons."
In fairness to Bailey, the NFL has several good quarterbacks within the league. Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence's No. 10 ranking speaks to just how loaded the NFL is at the position. That said, there are some controversial rankings on the list.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is an interestingly high inclusion at No. 6 as is Green Bay Packers signal caller Jordan Love. Neither have had the postseason success of San Francisco's Brock Purdy. Then there are young quarterbacks Drake Maye and Caleb Williams who just have one postseason of which to speak. NFL journeyman Sam Darnold, who won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks ranks No. 12 on the list.
Purdy will look to prove he belongs higher with a bounce back campaign when the season starts in September.