49ers' Brock Purdy differs from Lions' Amon-Ra St. Brown about draft slide

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy views his draft slide somewhat differently than how Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown recalls his draft experience. 

"I never wrote down all the guys that were taken before me. I never came in mad," Purdy recently told NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated. "More than anything, I was excited. I had an opportunity to prove to myself that I could play at this level, with this team. And I’ve been thankful more than anything. Honestly, it goes back to my identity, man. I’m not somebody who has football wrapped around my fingers 24/7, and it consumes my life. Yes, it’s what I do, I take pride in it, and how I work and what I believe in." 

Purdy famously went to the 49ers via the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft and then began his rookie season third on San Francisco's depth chart before he was called into service in early December. 

The 23-year-old then won his first seven professional starts until he suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow during the NFC Championship Game. He's nearly fully recovered from that setback and is on track to open the upcoming campaign as the club's QB1.

As for St. Brown, he's repeatedly made it known he remembers the names and colleges associated with the 16 wide receivers chosen before he landed with the Lions via a fourth-round selection in 2021. While he views that perceived slight as "something I make sure I'm always reminded of" as a motivational tool, Purdy sounds more so focused on enjoying the opportunity in front of him as San Francisco's undisputed starter. 

"At the end of the day, man, I’m human," Purdy continued. "I’m not gonna be able to play this sport forever. Like I said, I sort of just have it loosely held. Football is my thing right now, I’m gonna be all-in on it. If it’s not to be, it’s not my identity, and it’s not life or death. If I get hurt and I have to do something else in my life, I’ll be happy with that, too. … This is where God has me." 

Current Pittsburgh Steelers starter Kenny Pickett was the only quarterback drafted with a first-round pick in 2022. Whether or not Pittsburgh and every franchise other than the 49ers will ultimately regret passing on Purdy multiple times two springs ago shall be seen.