With the 40th pick in the third round (104 overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers have selected Iowa quarterback C.J. Beathard. The 49ers traded their second pick in the fourth round (109) and first pick in the seventh round (219) to the Minnesota Vikings in order to move back into the end of the third round.
Beathard is the grandson of former NFL general manager Bobby Beathard. He was a redshirt freshman in 2013 and didn't see significant playing time until the next year when he appeared in nine games with one start. He was the Hawkeyes' starter in 2015 as a junior and ended up as the team's MVP after completing 61.6 percent of his passes for 2,809 pass yards, 17 touchdowns, and five interceptions. During his senior year, he completed 56.5 percent of his passes for 1,929 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
"I'll give my everything to not let them down," Beathard said following the selection by the 49ers. "They won't regret it."
Beathard ranked as the 243rd-best player available in ESPN analyst Mel Kiper's big board and was ranked as the 10th-best quarterback available according to Pro Football Focus.
Beathard becomes the third quarterback on the 49ers roster. During the first two days of free agency, the team added former Chicago Bears quarterbacks Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley. None of San Francisco's quarterbacks from last season were brought back following the hiring of new general manager John Lynch and new head coach Kyle Shanahan.
NFL.com projected that Beathard would be selected in rounds 6 or 7 of the NFL Draft.
Pro Football Focus stats to know: Ranked 13th in the draft class in adjusted completion percentage at 73.5 percent. Had the third-highest percentage of drops in the draft class at 9.1 percent.
Lance Zierlein of NFL Media, who compares Beathard to Tom Savage, had the following to say in his scouting report:
"Pro-style quarterback who dealt with nagging injuries to key pass catchers and himself in 2016. His 2015 tape was more impressive, but deep-ball accuracy issues, poor pocket awareness, and unnecessary hesitation as a passer shows up in both seasons. Beathard plays checkers with safeties rather than chess, which could always hinder his ability to attack down the field with success. Could be a career backup who finds himself in the action at some point down the road."
Tony Pauline of Draft Analyst had the following to say in his scouting report:
"Beathard is a solid dink-and-dunk/timing passer with a terrific understanding of the position. He's only fit for certain systems but is worth having on the sideline as another pair of eyes."
Pro Football Focus had the following to say in their draft analysis:
"Beathard's arm is very good, as he can make the majority of NFL throws. He is a fastball thrower, with little to no finesse in his game of being a true passer. When he is playing in rhythm and knows where to go with the ball, he delivers on time and accurately. Certain throws required to throw up and over defenders he struggles with, as he needs a clear lane to throw through. The biggest questions come with his feel in the pocket and ability to see the field clearly to consistently get through reads, as well as decision-making particularly late in the down. Beathard's arm and overall game is enough to warrant a late-round selection and a chance to develop as a third-string QB."
Measurables
Height: 6-2
Weight: 219 lbs.
Arm length: 30 5/8 inches
Hand length: 9 3/8 inches
NFL Scouting Combine
Vertical: 31 inches
Broad jump: 113 inches
College Statistics
| Year | G | Comp | Att | Yds | Pct | TD | Int |
| 2012 | RS | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2013 | 5 | 9 | 27 | 179 | 33.3% | 1 | 2 |
| 2014 | 9 | 52 | 92 | 645 | 56.5% | 5 | 2 |
| 2015 | 14 | 223 | 362 | 2,809 | 61.6% | 17 | 5 |
| 2016 | 13 | 170 | 301 | 1,929 | 56.5% | 17 | 10 |
| Totals | 41 | 454 | 782 | 5,562 | 58.1% | 40 | 19 |
