The San Francisco 49ers stunned the NFL by turning the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft into a major asset. After trading much of their draft capital the previous year to secure Trey Lance, the 49ers appeared to take a gamble few teams could afford. However, Brock Purdy, selected as the final pick, quickly transformed this gamble into a remarkable success story, emerging as a distinguished quarterback despite being initially viewed as a developmental project.

Purdy surprised many by stepping into the starting role late in his rookie season after injuries sidelined both Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo. He seized the opportunity and never yielded the position. Less than three years after being picked last, Purdy inked a five-year, $265 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid player in 49ers history and solidifying his status as a top quarterback value.

Recognizing Purdy Among the Century’s Best Draft Picks

NFL.com’s Eric Edholm recently released a ranking of the best quarterback draft values of the 21st century. Not surprisingly, Tom Brady, famously chosen in the sixth round of the 2000 draft, topped the list due to his seven Super Bowl titles and Hall of Fame credentials. Following Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Lamar Jackson, and Russell Wilson completed the top five. Brock Purdy earned the final spot on this prestigious list, a testament to his rapid development and impact.

The title of Mr. Irrelevant, annually awarded to the final player selected in the NFL draft, always felt like something of a backhanded compliment — at least, until Purdy made it much cooler,

Edholm noted. Drafted at pick No. 262—the latest since the seven-round draft started in 1994—Purdy stepped up in December of his rookie year. He led the 49ers to a seven-game winning streak, including two playoff victories, before a major elbow injury ended his run in the NFC Championship Game.

Purdy’s Resilience and Impact Amid Adversity

After recovering from his significant elbow injury, Purdy returned stronger and completed his best season so far in 2023. Finishing fourth in MVP voting, he helped propel the 49ers back to the Super Bowl. Although the team ultimately lost to the Kansas City Chiefs, Purdy’s performance raised his profile league-wide.

Purdy not only recovered from the injury, but he turned in his finest season to date in 2023, finishing fourth in the MVP voting and leading the Niners back to the Super Bowl. They might have lost that game to the Chiefs, but Purdy’s play earned him a new level of respect. Even a down 2024 season didn’t dissuade the franchise from making him one of the 10 highest-paid players in the NFL, at an average of $53 million per year.

Though still early in his career compared to the other quarterbacks on this exclusive list, Purdy has clearly demonstrated his ability to compete among the NFL’s elite. His rapid ascent into that conversation has been a surprising development considering his draft position and initial expectations.

Challenges and Criticism Amid a Rocky 2024 Season

Despite Purdy’s success, skepticism remains about the extent of his individual contribution. Critics argue that much of his achievement is a product of coach Kyle Shanahan’s offensive scheme and the strong talent roster around him. The 49ers’ disappointing 6-11 record in the 2024 season, plagued by numerous injuries and inconsistent play, intensified doubts as Purdy struggled to sustain the previous seasons’ momentum.

As San Francisco prepares for the 2025 season after a major roster overhaul designed to justify Purdy’s lucrative contract, the pressure mounts for him to prove his leadership and skill can carry the team forward.

Where Purdy Stands in NFL History and What Lies Ahead

Purdy’s body of work remains incomplete and doesn’t stack up next to those of some Hall of Fame-caliber passers drafted in the past 25 years,

Edholm acknowledged, while adding,

But none of them were drafted in this range. While we don’t yet know if Purdy will become one of the all-time greats, his impressive résumé, contract extension, and surprising draft pedigree make him worthy of inclusion on this list.

Purdy’s journey from “Mr. Irrelevant” to being among the most valuable quarterbacks of the millennium underscores the unpredictability and excitement of NFL scouting and development. His contract and early success challenge conventional wisdom about the significance of draft position. Moving forward, the 49ers’ commitment signals their belief that Purdy can anchor the franchise for years to come, while fans and analysts watch closely to see if he validates his place alongside some of the league’s greatest quarterbacks.