The San Francisco 49ers were widely expected to target a quarterback in the later rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. Still, few anticipated they'd take a chance on one recovering from ACL surgery—especially one who may not be ready to compete for a roster spot during training camp.
With the first of their three seventh-round picks (No. 227 overall), the 49ers selected Kurtis Rourke. Measuring in at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine, the former Indiana Hoosier brings ideal size to the quarterback position. In fact, he's now the tallest quarterback on the roster, standing a full three inches taller than starter Brock Purdy.
ESPN experts recently examined this year's rookie quarterback class and how each player fits with his new NFL team. According to analyst Jordan Reid, Rourke landed in an ideal situation.
"Rourke landed in a great spot, as the 49ers are known for being able to develop passers," Reid wrote. "He is a tall pocket passer with a strong enough arm to test tight windows and the touch to layer the ball downfield."
Despite playing through his ACL injury last season, Rourke led Indiana to its first-ever 10-win campaign and a playoff berth—an impressive feat that caught the attention of San Francisco's scouts and head coach Kyle Shanahan. With Brock Purdy, Mac Jones, and Tanner Mordecai already on the roster, the 49ers can afford to be patient while Rourke rehabs from his January surgery.
"I'm in a really good spot," Rourke told reporters after being drafted. "Really excited about where I am, and I'm looking forward to getting on the plan of the 49ers and their medical staff, and starting to figure out what the future looks like."
Reid also highlighted how well Rourke's playing style aligns with Shanahan's offensive philosophy.
"He is a true distributor who can deliver the ball efficiently and accurately -- staples of the Kyle Shanahan offense," Reid added. "Despite a torn right ACL, Rourke led Indiana to its first-ever 10-win season and a playoff berth."
As for his recovery, Rourke says he's determined to return as soon as possible.
"My mindset has always been to get back as soon as I can, and as soon as I can do anything, then I'm gonna do it," Rourke explained. "That's the way I was in the first time around, and that's the mindset I have this time. So, definitely want to be a part of the 49ers' plan, but I'm going to be pushing for as early as possible."
Shanahan also spoke highly of his new quarterback after the draft, explaining why the 49ers were eager to take a flyer on him.
"I loved his size, love how he throws, loved how he plays the position, especially watching him this year," Shanahan said. "I don't think it was a coincidence how good of a year they had with the type of quarterback they had. And to know he did it the whole year with a—he had a broken finger, a torn ACL, and still, was really, really impressive.
"And we're in a situation where, getting a guy with a torn ACL, and he probably won't be cleared by training camp—it'll be close—but it's not an issue for us right now, obviously with Brock and Mac, and love Tanner too.
"So, I thought it was just a very good valuable pick for us, for a guy who might not be ready for another year, because I think he's about seven months out, because he got it done after the season. But we're in a situation we could take him, and I think he would have gone a lot higher if he was healthy."