While debates continue over Brock Purdy's standing among active NFL quarterbacks, one analytics site has taken things a step further—placing the San Francisco 49ers quarterback among the elite signal-callers of the 21st century.
Earlier this month, Pro Football and Sports Network (PFSN) released its list of the 25 highest-graded quarterbacks of the 21st century25 highest-graded quarterbacks of the 21st century, based on its proprietary QB+ metric. Purdy's surprising placement at No. 3 overall, ahead of some of the most iconic names in NFL history, will surely garner discussion.
According to PFSN contributor Brandon Austin, the QB+ formula evaluates quarterbacks with at least 200 regular-season pass attempts and assigns them a score and letter grade based on a variety of advanced metrics.
"QB+ is a formula that assigns a score and letter grade to each quarterback's individual performance," PFSN contributor Brandon Austin explained. "The metric blends stats like success rates when pressured, third-down conversion rate, and pocket production. The added wrinkle? Quantifying 'clutch.' We used timeliness-based stats to account for score and situation."
Purdy landed at No. 3, trailing only Peyton Manning and Patrick Mahomes, while ranking ahead of names such as Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, and Josh Allen.
"Brock Purdy landing at No. 3 may be a surprise, but the San Francisco 49ers' 2022 Mr. Irrelevant has outperformed every expectation," Austin noted.
The PFSN contributor admits that Purdy's three-year sample size is smaller than most on the list, but his on-field efficiency and success are undeniable. Despite not becoming the 49ers' starting quarterback until late in his rookie year, Purdy has already passed for 9,518 yards, 64 touchdowns, and holds a 67.5% completion rate across 40 career games (36 starts).
"In 2023, his first full season as San Francisco's starter, Purdy led the NFL in net yards per attempt (8.74), yards per completion (13.9), passer rating (113.0), and touchdown rate (7.0%)," Austin added.
While critics still insist on labeling Purdy as a game manager, Austin notes that the advanced metrics say otherwise, and that his ceiling is higher than many thought.
"Purdy's +0.21 EPA per dropback ties Mahomes for second all time, trailing only Manning," Austin wrote. "He leads the league in net yards per attempt (8.4) and has a +0.43 EPA/DB from a clean pocket. He's also efficient as a runner, posting a +0.57 EPA per designed run across 35 such plays."
Seeing Purdy ranked ahead of some of the greatest quarterbacks of the modern era is a testament to how much he has accomplished in such a short time, especially considering he entered the league as the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft.
The 49ers clearly believe in their young quarterback. This offseason, they rewarded Purdy with a five-year, $265 million contract extension, cementing his status as the franchise's quarterback of the future. With his rapid rise and elite-level efficiency, the 49ers are confident he can lead them to a long-awaited Super Bowl title.
H/t to Kyle Madson of Niners Wire for the find.