Christian McCaffrey explains why 49ers QB Brock Purdy had a 'massive advantage' in NFL rise

The San Francisco 49ers selected Brock Purdy as the last overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Back then, with Trey Lance expected to start as quarterback and Nate Sudfeld as his backup, many likely doubted Purdy's ability to secure a roster spot. Even the 49ers admit to drafting Purdy with the hope of developing the young quarterback into a serviceable backup.

They never anticipated the rookie's speedy NFL ascension.

Fast forward to today, and Purdy is gearing up to lead the 49ers against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 58. The second-year quarterback has risen from the bottom of the depth chart to become an MVP finalist. Come Sunday, he will become the third-youngest quarterback to start in a Super Bowl. By the end of that evening, he could be the second-youngest quarterback to win one.

One of Purdy's teammates credits his ascent to the starting point from which he had to emerge from obscurity.

"What he's done is amazing," running back Christian McCaffrey said on Wednesday. "One thing I've learned being in the NFL is it really doesn't matter where you get drafted. I've seen first-round picks who don't end up well, and you see a guy like Brock, you see guys who are undrafted, who turn out to be All-Pros and Hall of Famers. So nothing matters."

McCaffrey highlights Purdy's drive for greatness, evident even in college, where he left Iowa State with school records in passing yards (12,170), touchdown passes (81), completions (993), and completion percentage (67.7), among other categories.

While experts and analysts doubted Purdy, the quarterback had no shortage of confidence in his potential, knowing all along that he could play in the NFL.

"That's [not just] a special player, that's a special person," McCaffrey continued. "And I think, in the NFL, when you have someone like that, who has the right mindset coming in, who's humble, who's hungry, who has that chip on his shoulder, they have a massive advantage because he's had to scratch and claw for everything he's ever had.

"And if you have that going into the league, I think that's a massive advantage and something that a lot of people, who might be first-rounders or top draft picks, you see a little bit of complacency sometimes. And Brock doesn't have any of that, and he still carries that same chip, still has that same attitude, and just a hell of a player."