“He’s Top 10 Period,” Countering Shannon Sharpe’s Take on Draft Position, Fans Rally Behind Brock Purdy

John Elway and Shannon Sharpe have played together from 1990 to the former’s retirement in 1998. The pairing is considered the 4th best quarterback-tight end duo in NFL history. Together, they have 486 catches, 6,301 yards, and 41 touchdowns in 129 games. They also won Super Bowls XXXII and XXXIII. So, it is safe to assume Sharpe knows a thing or two about elite quarterbacks.

Using that experience, Shannon Sharpe admitted he did not class San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy as elite. Sharpe famously called Purdy a product of the system built around him on ESPN’s First Take. Purdy was a 7th-round, 262nd pick overall during the 2022 NFL draft. The quarterback has quietly put himself in the reckoning for the MVP award this NFL season, as per Sharpe. Even so, the former tight end reasoned Purdy’s successes were primarily due to the team around him. Upon this, the fans have been backing Purdy, post Shannon’s take on him.

Brock Purdy would not be third overall in the draft per Shannon Sharpe

Shannon Sharpe said much the same on a different platform. Sharpe took to X, formerly known as Twitter, in reply to Darius Butler. Butler opined Purdy’s performances would surprise none were he an early pick in the draft. He referred to Purdy’s measurables to further drive home the point. Shannon Sharpe added the 49ers’ General Manager John Lynch deserved more credit than Purdy for their 5-0 record. Lynch, Sharpe noted, was the one who put together Kyle Shanahan’s roster.

Sharpe also noted that Lynch missed a trick when it came to Trey Lance. Lance was selected third overall in the 2021 NFL draft. After starting only four games in two years, Lance was recently traded to the Dallas Cowboys. Shannon Sharpe admitted to thinking Brock Purdy would never be the third overall pick in any draft. That admission drew a lot of flak from the fans.

Measurables do not convey Purdy’s greatness says fans

A fan referred to Tua Tagovailoa being classified as an elite quarterback by Shannon Sharpe on First Take. Tua was a fifth pick overall in the 2020 NFL draft. Simultaneously, it was pointed out that Tua’s successes were due to Kyle Johnston’s foresight and the addition of Mike McDaniel. McDaniel, too, served as an assistant coach to Shanahan, the current 49ers head coach.

Another reply from a fan asked if Shannon Sharpe considered Jalen Hurts elite. Hurts’ record minus the likes of Dallas Goedert and other stalwarts in that offensive line is questionable at best, as revealed by this fan.

One more called it a travesty that Brock Purdy was drafted last. The reply pointed to Purdy’s exceptional record at Iowa State, particularly during the 2019 season. Purdy threw 27 touchdowns and rushed for eight more that year.

Yet another claimed every quarterback is a system player. They urged caution considering Purdy has yet to clock a full season at this level. Even so, they added Purdy has been spectacular for the 49ers.

Lastly, one wrote every elite quarterback had an elite squad backing him up. They opined Purdy’s speed of thought and decision-making made him an elite quarterback. Purdy was named a “top ten” player.

Up next for the 49ers is a visit to Cleveland. They will take on the 2-2 Cleveland Browns at the FirstEnergy Stadium. The 49ers are fresh off a thumping victory against the Dallas Cowboys. They administered a 42-10 licking on home turf.

Read More – As Conversations Emerge of Brock Purdy Being Nothing but a System QB, Is It Unfair Criticism or Do His Critics Have a Fair Point?

Purdy has 11 touchdowns to his name this NFL season, nine of them thrown and two rushing. Only time will tell if Shannon Sharpe is forced to reconsider his estimation of the quarterback.

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