49ers' biggest draft steal comes as no surprise

Angel Atienza-Romero of The Big Lead recently identified one draft steal that reshaped each NFL franchise. For the San Francisco 49ers, the choice is unlikely to surprise.

While several selections throughout the team's rich history have carried greater long-term significance, few can match the value of quarterback Brock Purdy. The 49ers selected Purdy with the final pick (No. 262 overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft, making him that year's "Mr. Irrelevant."

"Selected with the final pick of the draft, Brock Purdy quickly rewrote the narrative around 'Mr. Irrelevant' by becoming a poised and efficient leader for the San Francisco 49ers," Atienza-Romero wrote. "Thrust into action as a rookie, he displayed uncommon composure, processing speed, and accuracy in a system built on timing and precision."

Purdy's impact was immediate. He helped lead the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game during his rookie season and followed that up by guiding the team to the Super Bowl during his 2023 campaign.

San Francisco later reinforced its belief in Purdy, signing the quarterback to a five-year, $265 million contract extension in 2025. He validated that investment by helping an injury-plagued roster surge into playoff contention down the stretch last season.

"Purdy's emergence stabilized a championship-caliber roster and allowed the franchise to remain a Super Bowl contender without high-profile quarterback investments," Atienza-Romero added. "His rise stands as one of the most immediate and impactful late-round transformations in modern NFL history."