According to the Sacramento Bee, no San Francisco 49ers players will be on hand for the NFLPA Rookie Premiere in Los Angeles, which begins on Thursday. At least one 49ers rookie was invited to the event, which pays about $10,000 and gives the NFL's freshman class an opportunity to make contacts for marketing deals.
Last week, the Sacramento Bee reported that 49ers QB Jeff Driskel, a sixth-round selection in this year's draft, was one of the approximately 40 rookies invited to the event. Driskel turned down the offer.
No #49ers will attend Rookie Premiere in L.A. Thurs-Sat. At least one, QB Jeff Driskel, turned down an invite. Team has first OTA Tues-Thurs
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) May 16, 2016
After all, the 49ers' organized team activities (OTAs) kick off on Tuesday, conflicting with the rookie event in Los Angeles. Driskel isn't likely to be one of the quarterbacks competing for the 49ers' starting job. That battle will likely be a two-man race between Blaine Gabbert and Colin Kaepernick, who has resumed throwing following multiple surgeries. Driskel is likely to be a backup quarterback, but hopes to land on the active roster rather than the team's practice squad. Skipping out on an optional rookie media showcase would certainly help his cause.
RELATED Round 6, Pick 32: 49ers select Louisiana Tech QB Jeff Driskel
According to the Sacramento Bee, missing out on the Rookie Premiere means more time at the team's headquarters in Santa Clara to learn Chip Kelly's offense. Driskel is the first quarterback drafted by the 49ers since seventh-round selection B.J. Daniels in 2013.
"I look forward to competing with whoever is in the meeting room with me," Driskel said following his selection and when asked about the 49ers' quarterback situation.
After choosing to transfer to Louisiana Tech during his final year of college football eligibility, which was a final push on his quest to land in the NFL, Driskel is now on the 49ers roster and is looking to stay there.
Driskel spent time with Florida from 2011 through 2014. He played for Louisiana Tech in 2015 where he completed 62.3-percent of his passes for 4,026 yards, 27 touchdowns, eight interceptions and a rating of 154.1 in 13 games. Kelly values accuracy and Driskel had that during his one year at Louisiana Tech.
