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Which draft prospects could be the next Brock Purdy?
Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Sean Clifford Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Which 2023 NFL Draft prospects could be the next Brock Purdy?

By Eric Smithling  |  Last updated 4/24/23

No one saw Brock Purdy coming.

Both NFL.com and The Athletic's Dane Brugler tagged last year's "Mr. Irrelevant" as a priority undrafted free agent when estimating his 2022 NFL Draft stock. That was after a career at Iowa State in which Purdy he played 48 games over four seasons, going 993-of-1,467 (67.7%) for 12,170 yards, 81 touchdowns and 33 interceptions.

Purdy's success with the 49ers was an outlier in terms of the type of production usually expected from the last pick of the draft, but here are three QBs in this year's class who, like Purdy, had solid college careers but aren't expected to hear their names called early if at all in this week's draft. 

Perhaps they can defy the odds, too.

Malik Cunningham, Louisville

Cunningham (5.66) grades slightly better at NFL.com than Purdy (5.57) did last year but, like Purdy, is the top-ranked priority free agent at QB, per Brugler. He's much more of a dual-threat option than Purdy, finishing his college career with 3,179 rushing yards to Purdy's 1,177 yards.

"Cunningham is an instinctive athlete," wrote Brugler. "…An NFL team would be wise to figure out how to utilize his playmaking talent."

As a passer, Cunningham was 691-of-1,104 (62.6%) for 9,660 yards, 70 touchdowns and 29 interceptions.

Sean Clifford, Penn State

In the same number of college starts as Purdy, Clifford went 833-for-1,356 (61.4%) for 10,661 yards, 86 touchdowns and 31 interceptions. Like Purdy, he wasn't afraid to take a hit in college.

Also like Purdy, he can make plays with his legs when needed.

Both QBs made also made confounding plays in college.

Clifford finished his career at Penn State on a high note, winning the Rose Bowl over Utah in January.

Stetson Bennett IV, Georgia

NFL.com and Brugler grade Bennett as a 2023 draft pick, but he's included here because, according to OddsChecker, the Georgia QB will go undrafted. 

If he does hear his name called, it will probably be near the end of Round 7. Questionable offseason decisions hurt his stock, but the two-time NCAA champion has a track record of success that can't be denied.

He led Georgia to back-to-back national titles and performed best on the biggest stage. In four college playoff games, Bennett was 78-of-115 (67.8%) for 1,239 yards, 12 touchdowns and one interception.

Purdy's success can serve as inspiration for all of the QBs not viewed on the same level as this year's top prospects. It also means all eyes will be on the player the Texans select as "Mr. Irrelevant" in this year's draft. 

Perhaps that's why they might not be interested in a QB at No. 2. Houston could be looking for one at No. 259.

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