49ers training camp preview: Purdy revs up for another record year with new perspective
Brock Purdy can use 49ers training camp to build off last year's record-setting production and shoot for even more passing proficiency.
Brock Purdy is about to experience a 49ers training camp like no other — in a good way.
He was a last-string, last-pick rookie in the 2022 shadows. His surgically repaired right elbow limited last year’s lead-up. This camp, he’s a healthy, bona fide star.
This being the 49ers, however, quarterback drama will ensue one way or another. The likeliest way is figuring out who is best fit to back up Purdy.
To outline that ever-changing quarterback room, here is the latest in our series of camp previews leading into the July 23 reporting date:
WHO’S HERE
Brock Purdy, Josh Dobbs, Brandon Allen, Tanner Mordecai
THE STARTER
Purdy is coming off his first full offseason in which he was healthy and in full command of Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Whereas a year ago his surgically repaired elbow was monitored through a limited pitch count, Purdy can use this camp to work on his timing, accuracy, and overall stewardship.
No 49ers quarterback has thrown for more yards in a season than Purdy just did, and there is no dire reason to think he can’t top last season’s 4,280 yards, a mark he set before sitting out the regular-season finale.
A massive contract extension looms, but NFL rules preclude him from signing one until after the regular season, so he’ll have to make due on a $985,000 salary this year before potentially joining the quarterback ranks of $50 million annually – if his amazing ascent continues. He’s spent this offseason giving back, including hosting youth camps at Levi’s Stadium and at his alma mater, Iowa State.
BEST COMPETITION
Will newcomer Josh Dobbs beat out Brandon Allen and replace Sam Darnold as the No. 2 quarterback?
Allen has a year’s head start in the 49ers’ offense, having served as last year’s QB3 and also a valued sounding board for Purdy. Dobbs, 29, is on his fourth team in a year; the Browns traded him last preseason to the Cardinals, for whom he went 1-7 as Kyler Murray’s replacement starter before the Vikings dealt for him to replace an injured Kirk Cousins.
Dobbs is 3-11 as a starter with 501 career passes for 15 touchdowns and 13 interceptions; Allen is 2-7 with 263 passes, 10 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Two years after Purdy entered camp fourth on the depth chart, that role now belongs to undrafted rookie Tanner Mordecai to prove he can have a relevant NFL career.
AIYUK IMPACT
Assuming Brandon Aiyuk eventually participates in practice rather than extend his contract holdout, reconnecting with Purdy will help toward a potential third straight 1,000-yard receiving season. Aiyuk’s absence from the offseason program allowed Deebo Samuel, rookie Ricky Pearsall, and slot receiver Trent Taylor to gain momentum for camp. With seven weeks of practice before the Sept. 9 season opener, Purdy will have plenty of players to target to get his arm and the offense in shape for a potential 20- or 21-game salute.
REP COUNTS
The 49ers typically rotate receivers to expose them to different quarterbacks, but Purdy should hog first-team reps. Last year, his restricted pitch count allowed Darnold and Trey Lance to seize some first-team reps.
THROWS TO WATCH
With arguably their best depth at wide receiver and cornerback in the Shanahan era, one-on-one drills should yield better competition, so long as throws are on target. Speaking of long throws, Purdy was 30-of-53 for 956 yards, 11 touchdowns and one interception on last year’s targets of 20 yards or more, according to Pro Football Focus. Still, now is the time to enhance deep-ball accuracy.
ROSTER PROJECTION
Purdy’s third season will come inside another reworked quarterback room with Allen in there and Dobbs replacing Darnold. If Allen beats out Dobbs for the No. 2 role, then Mordecai might win the No. 3 job.