Four years after entering the NFL as the final pick in the draft, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy stands among the league’s primary Most Valuable Player candidates following an undefeated start to the 2026 season, according to as.com. While Purdy earned a five-year, $265 million contract extension before the 2025 campaign and led San Francisco to the Super Bowl in 2023, the rest of the 2022 quarterback class has largely struggled to establish stability across the league.
The 2022 Draft Contrast
The 2022 quarterback class serves as a stark reminder that finding a franchise signal-caller relies as much on development and surrounding ecosystem as it does on draft capital.
First-Round Reality for Kenny Pickett
Kenny Pickett entered the league as the lone first-round quarterback of his draft class. The Pittsburgh Steelers selected him with the 20th overall pick in 2022, hoping to secure their long-term starter. Instead, Pickett spent time with Philadelphia and Las Vegas before landing with the Carolina Panthers, where he currently serves as a backup.
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Third-Round Shifts and Free Agency
Other selections from the middle rounds experienced even more turbulent professional trajectories. Desmond Ridder, drafted in the third round by the Atlanta Falcons, failed to secure a permanent role as a starter or backup and currently sits as an unrestricted free agent. Malik Willis, selected in the same round, eventually found an opportunity in Miami and currently starts for the Dolphins, though the team opened the season with a 0-5 record. Matt Corral, another third-round pick, exited the NFL entirely without establishing a foothold.
Roster Turnover in New England and Beyond
Late-round picks faced similar difficulties maintaining roster spots. The New England Patriots released fourth-round selection Bailey Zappe ahead of the regular season, leaving the quarterback without a team. Further down the board, fifth-round pick Sam Howell moved through multiple organizations before becoming a backup with the Dallas Cowboys. In the seventh round, Chris Oladokun moved to the Canadian Football League, while Skylar Thompson settled into a backup role with the Baltimore Ravens.
How Purdy Rose to the Top
Purdy’s trajectory shifted during his rookie season when injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo thrust him into the starting lineup in San Francisco. He responded by winning games, guiding the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game, and cementing his status as the team’s primary option under head coach Kyle Shanahan. Following his Super Bowl appearance in 2023 and his massive contract extension, Purdy’s strong performances through October 2026—including an October 11 victory over the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field—have thrust him directly into the MVP conversation.
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