49ers Would Make Big Mistake With One Draft Decision
San Francisco, CA — With the NFL Draft in the rearview mirror, fans and analysts continue to dissect every move made by teams across the league. But as the San Francisco 49ers’ decisions are analyzed, one draft move—or rather, one they almost made—has emerged as a potential turning point for the franchise. Had the 49ers chosen to draft a quarterback early instead of reinforcing their offensive line, they might have made a costly mistake that could have derailed their Super Bowl aspirations.
Leading up to the draft, speculation swirled around the possibility that San Francisco might invest a high pick in a quarterback, despite having Brock Purdy, who led the team to the NFC Championship in the 2023 season. With Sam Darnold and Brandon Allen as backups, the 49ers’ depth was already solid. Yet rumors persisted that the team was considering using a top-100 pick on a developmental quarterback—perhaps Michael Penix Jr. or Spencer Rattler.
NFL insiders warned that such a move would be misguided. “The 49ers are built to win now,” said ESPN’s Adam Schefter. “They don’t need another young quarterback—they need to protect the one they’ve got and shore up weaknesses on both lines.” Fortunately, head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch seemed to agree, ultimately focusing their early picks on offensive line reinforcements and cornerback depth.
Drafting a quarterback early would have sent mixed signals about Purdy’s standing with the organization. The former seventh-round pick—now a proven starter—earned the respect of fans and teammates alike with his poise and production. A new high-round quarterback could have created unnecessary controversy in the locker room, potentially affecting team chemistry.
“It would have been a slap in the face to Brock,” said former 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis. “He’s earned that job. You give him the tools to succeed, not a competitor breathing down his neck for no reason.”
Instead, the 49ers used their first pick on an offensive lineman, ensuring that Purdy has better protection heading into the 2025 season. This move not only supports the quarterback but also strengthens the team’s biggest weakness—pass protection. The 49ers allowed too many pressures last season, especially in high-stakes games against elite defenses.
Had the 49ers drafted another quarterback early, it likely would have been a pick wasted on the bench—valuable draft capital that could have gone toward positions of need. The decision to pass on a quarterback in favor of immediate contributors is a strong sign that San Francisco is staying focused on winning now.
With their Super Bowl window wide open, the 49ers can’t afford to make sentimental or speculative picks. Thankfully, they avoided what could have been a major draft blunder. Time will tell how this class pans out, but one thing is clear: staying away from a quarterback early was the right call.
