Purdy proves draft status is irrelevant as playoff QB outlier

SANTA CLARA — Of the eight teams remaining in the NFL playoffs, the 49ers are the only team whose starting quarterback was not drafted in the first round. While those outside of the 49ers organization might think Brock Purdy's performance since taking over the starting role is exceptional considering his status as the last pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, Christian McCaffrey believes his quarterback's statistics should stand alone. "I think what he has done is impressive whether he is a first-round pick or not," McCaffrey said Wednesday after practice. "He's putting up numbers that are impressive for first-rounders." George Kittle, like McCaffrey, is impressed, but not surprised. A fifth-round pick himself, the All-Pro tight end believes his quarterback's accomplishments since his arrival in Santa Clara are what have set Purdy apart. Purdy's perceived disadvantage as a non-top draft pick could even be why he has been more productive than expected. Without the safety net of being a first-round pick, Purdy had a heightened sense of urgency to perform well in order to keep his job. "All the draft is, is an opportunity," Kittle told NBC Sports Bay Area. "Brock is a guy who came in and on...