During an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," Smith highlighted how much focus is placed on physical attributes during quarterback evaluations. However, he believes the traditional analysis is flawed, and Purdy proves that.
"For Purdy, I think he's got the most courage in the pocket than anybody in the NFL," Smith declared. "This guy stands in there and takes hits, and he is just unflinching. His focus downfield never wavers. It's a gift of his."
Purdy has started 22 regular-season games with an 18-4 record and is 4-2 in the postseason, leading the 49ers to two NFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl in the past two seasons.
On Monday night, while attention was on Aaron Rodgers' return from injury, Purdy quietly completed 65.5 percent of his passes for 231 yards against the New York Jets, earning the game's highest offensive grade from Pro Football Focus.
"Obviously, he's accurate, but I think that poise and courage is something that, again, how do you quantify it?" Smith continued. "And we're so caught up in size and speed and arm strength and hand size and s--t like that. And, again, none of that stuff really, I think, matters. This guy can play ball, and he's been playing ball at a high level for a long time. And yet, again, he falls to the last pick in the draft. How does that happen? ... He's a baller.
"I don't know how you don't turn on the film the last couple of years and see what he's doing week in and week out. I know it's a good situation, but there's not a good quarterback in the NFL that's not in a good situation. So I'm a huge fan of Brock's. I think he's a huge reason why they're so good and going to continue to be good."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers legend Joe Montana reveals what impresses him most about Brock Purdy
San Francisco 49ers legend Joe Montana doesn't like comparing players. That means he isn't trying to find a comparison for current starting quarterback Brock Purdy, who has enjoyed an impressive career since becoming the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. However, there is one... -
49ers' Brock Purdy opens up about De'Zhaun Stribling, Mike Evans, and Deebo Samuel additions
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy joined the Pat McAfee Show on Friday, one day after the 49ers' 41-17 preseason victory over the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Purdy discussed several topics during the interview, including the 49ers' revamped receiving corps,... -
49ers' Brock Purdy reveals how De'Zhaun Stribling has earned his trust
San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling hauled in four passes for 46 yards on five targets against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night, with three receptions going for first downs. That brings his preseason total to 11 receptions for 109 yards through... -
49ers' Fred Warner reveals why he loves Brock Purdy's competitive chirping
On Sunday, reporters couldn't help but notice a heated back-and-forth between two of the San Francisco 49ers' biggest stars. After some fierce competition on the practice field, Fred Warner chirped at Brock Purdy after breaking up one of the quarterback's passes. Later, Purdy...