"You could make the argument that he's the most refined and nuanced quarterback in the 2025 draft class as far as timing and anticipation, consistently precise ball placement," Cosell said on the Ross Tucker Football Podcast. "I thought he showed a strong sense of progression reading. He's mentally tough, he's physically tough. He had clean footwork, clean balance.
"Not a big arm, but you think about the Forty-Niner offense, I think I pretty much described their passing game. So, it makes sense that he would go to a team like that."
While the 49ers likely view Rourke as a long-term backup option behind Brock Purdy, they must be patient. The rookie is still recovering from surgery to repair a torn ACL he played through last season. Fortunately, with Mac Jones and Tanner Mordecai also on the roster, there's no pressure to rush Rourke back onto the field.
"I thought it was just a very good valuable pick for us, for a guy who might not be ready for another year," head coach Kyle Shanahan explained, "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."
Despite the injury, Rourke still managed to throw for 3,042 yards and 29 touchdowns last season. Cosell believes the 49ers' offensive system is well-suited to his skill set.
"And again, I'm not saying he's the starting quarterback, but I think his traits fit," Cosell added. "I said he'd likely profile as a backup, but if he had to start, his ability to have success would be dependent on the offense, and I thought strong, sustaining run game, quick rhythm, timing, passing game, RPO elements, play action—all those things that kind of the Niners do."
When asked what attracted the 49ers to Rourke, Shanahan explained, "I loved his size, love how he throws, loved how he plays the position, especially watching him this year. 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."
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