Brock Purdy's first full training camp as 49ers starter brings plenty to intrigue at quarterback
Last year, Brock Purdy did not feature at San Francisco 49ers training camp until their third practice. His 2023 offseason was predominantly about his recovery from elbow surgery. Now, after a spectacular campaign that ended in a Super Bowl defeat despite the lack of a full workout program of preparation, Purdy will hope to reap […]
Last year, Brock Purdy did not feature at San Francisco 49ers training camp until their third practice.
His 2023 offseason was predominantly about his recovery from elbow surgery. Now, after a spectacular campaign that ended in a Super Bowl defeat despite the lack of a full workout program of preparation, Purdy will hope to reap the benefits of having a complete offseason by taking his game to the next level.
With two weeks to go until veterans report for training camp, we'll be taking an individual look at each position, starting with the quarterbacks.
Purdy looks to further his command
What has been the benefit of Purdy enjoying a full offseason to this point?
George Kittle was unequivocal in his answer when asked that question.
"He looks like the guy, which is really nice. He's in the building every day," Kittle told NBC Sports Bay Area at Tight End University last month.
"He's the same guy every single day. He's consistent. He's incredibly competitive. It's fun seeing him yell at guys when they don't hit the route depth, if they have the wrong landmark. He's taking control of the offense and making it his.
"It's Kyle, and Kyle's calling the players, but Brock's getting guys to do what he wants them to do, which is really fun to see."
Kittle's words echo those of head coach Kyle Shanahan in May.
Shanahan said:
"He is definitely ahead of where he was last year this time, but I mean it was just real cool being able to go through a whole year of cutups just like we did last year and just starting in Phase 1. The command he had of going out there with the drills and everything and really trying to apply the stuff we had just been watching in the meeting rooms, that really happened all off our 2023 tape. Last year he had to do it and then it would just be frustrating for him because he couldn’t really go work on it. He had to just visualize and think about it and had to wait for that opportunity in training camp. This year right away it’s been awesome for him to lead us through the whole offseason, just drill wise and everything. It’s he’s been great to have for a first full offseason."
Given one of the primary strengths Purdy displayed in his remarkable 2023 season was his ability to process quickly, comments that indicate he is showing even greater command of Shanahan's complex offense should make for ominous reading for those looking to depose the Niners as the class of the NFC.
For Purdy, one of the challenges during training camp will be to further demonstrate that even greater command of an offense he has already run to the highest level of any 49ers quarterback since Shanahan took over.
His ease in running the scheme, along with his playmaking ability and downfield ambition and success that is far superior to predecessor Jimmy Garoppolo, has played a key role in the evolution of the San Francisco's dropback game.
Purdy's continued progress in camp will help determine the extent to which it continues to evolve in 2024.
The backup battle that isn't
Behind Purdy, the quarterback depth should effectively be settled.
The 49ers signed Joshua Dobbs to a one-year deal to fill the void at backup spot left by Sam Darnold.
Dobbs signed to a one-year deal worth $2.35 million that is guaranteed. That money figures to solidify him as the No. 2 immediately.
Playing last season for both the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings, Dobbs showed the ability to come in and excel at very short notice and has experience in systems that are offshoots of the Shanahan attack.
Theoretically, then, he should be a good bet to impress early, especially with former Tennessee teammate Jauan Jennings on the offense.
However, number three Brandon Allen heads into his second camp with the Niners with a strong knowledge of the system, so it will be interesting to see if he can outshine his new teammate and perhaps make things a little bit more competitive between the reserves.
Tanner aims to be more than a camp arm
The 49ers' fourth-string quarterback is rookie undrafted free agent Tanner Mordecai.
Mordecai finished his college career at Wisconsin having previously played at Oklahoma and then SMU. Though he was not regarded highly enough to be drafted, he boasts intriguing athleticism for the position to go with a live arm that allows him to make high velocity throws, regularly impressive accuracy and the ability to make plays under pressure and on the move.
But it will take time for Mordecai to adjust to the offense, with quarterbacks coach Brian Griese saying the former Badger's head was "swimming" during OTAs.
That should not be surprising at this point in his career, and Mordecai's opportunities to get reps as he adapts to the offense will be slim with three quarterbacks ahead of him in the pecking order.
But if he can make the most of his limited chances, Mordecai could earn himself a place on the practice squad and the opportunity to potentially develop into Purdy's long-term backup.
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