Brock Purdy wasn't getting many practice reps during his rookie training camp. That's not uncommon for the third quarterback on the depth chart. However, Purdy, the last overall pick in the 2022 draft, took advantage of the few reps he did receive.
"It's that old saying: Don't count your reps. Make your reps count," San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch recently told Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer.
Whatever he was showing in practices must have been impressive. The rookie was working hard to earn the respect of his coaches and teammates but was still situated behind Trey Lance and Nate Sudfeld on the depth chart. Leading into the 2022 preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers, the first-year player received confirmation that he was earning his teammates' respect.
Purdy overheard a conversation between two accomplished veterans.
Linebacker Fred Warner and tackle Trent Williams, two All-Pros, were walking into the Niners' building, unaware that the then-rookie quarterback was walking behind them.
"Man, I can't wait to watch Purdy play tomorrow," an excited Warner said to Williams.
That meant a lot to Purdy, who stealthly overheard the comment.
"So I was getting some guys' attention," the quarterback told Breer while reflecting on that moment. "Like, O.K., I'm doing something right."
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Purdy ended up doing a lot of things right last season. First, he beat out Sudfeld for a spot on the 53-man roster. Then, after injuries to Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo, the young quarterback became the starter. The 49ers offense didn't skip a beat, and Purdy guided the team to the NFC Championship Game before suffering a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow.
The 49ers have made it clear all offseason that Purdy will be the team's Week 1 starter, so long as the quarterback is healthy. Things seem to be trending in that direction.