Brock Purdy has only started five regular-season games in his NFL career, yet so impressive were his performances down the stretch last year for the 49ers that he is on the precipice of becoming one of the 16 best starting quarterbacks in league. 

At least that is the view of The Touchdown Wire, which released its quarterback rankings this week, with Purdy in a surprisingly lofty position.

Purdy has featured towards the bottom of most such lists produced during the offseason. However, he is 17th in this ranking, ahead of vastly more experienced starters such as Derek Carr and Ryan Tannehill.

The blurb for Purdy on the list reads:

In what was certainly the biggest surprise of the season, Brock Purdy turned being a third string quarterback drafted with the last pick in the draft into a potential starting job for the 49ers going into the season. It was hard to find somebody who played with as much grit and precision as Purdy during that time, and he can continue to develop his skillset further.

Purdy's grit was apparent immediately when he stepped into the fray in relief of an injured Jimmy Garoppolo in Week 13. He delivered the ball calmly and with largely impressive accuracy in the face of heavy pressure from a Dolphins defense that consistently sent blitzes.

His level of poise was perhaps the most startling aspect of Purdy's remarkable rise from last pick in the draft to the man expected to be San Francisco's starter in 2023. 

Just as a crucial, though, was his playmaking ability. Purdy showed a proficiency for making second-reaction plays that are beyond Garoppolo, and if he continues to progress in this area of the game he could well blossom into a top-half quarterback. 

Still, he has deficiencies he needs to work on. Purdy's overall accuracy was more spotty than his on-field results would suggest. Per NextGen Stats, Purdy finished the season with a completion percentage over expectation (CPOE) of minus two.

Purdy also displayed limited ambition in pushing the ball downfield. Only two quarterbacks averaged fewer intended air yards per attempt in 2022. 

Kyle Shanahan's offense and the 49ers' litany of playmakers who can gain yards after the catch lessens the need for a quarterback who is aggressive in attacking deep. Yet the 49ers drafted Trey Lance because of his arm and ability to access that area of the field. It would be a significant advantage if Purdy could do so more regularly.

Of course, in the immediate future, Purdy's most pressing challenge is completing his recovery from the elbow surgery he underwent to repair the ligament he tore in the NFC Championship Game.

Should he do so and then remain healthy and develop his game to the point where it is clear his success is just not just a symptom of Shanahan's offense, Purdy will deserve a spot in the top half of any quarterback ranking this time next offseason.

Brock Purdy continuing to make good progress in recovery

The signs remain positive.

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