### Rising from Obscurity: Brock Purdy's Journey to Becoming the 49ers' Final Pick

In the midst of a significant roster overhaul, the San Francisco 49ers head coach, Kyle Shanahan, emphasizes the importance of high attendance and minimal distractions during the spring training. High school quarterback Brock Purdy, standing at 6-foot-1, didn't immediately catch the eye of prominent collegiate programs due to his average arm strength and athleticism. It wasn't until his senior year, after throwing 57 touchdowns and earning the Arizona Gatorade Player of the Year title, that Purdy garnered attention from Power 5 schools. While Alabama and Texas A&M made late offers, Arizona State and the University of Arizona also showed interest, albeit belatedly and halfheartedly. Ultimately, Purdy signed with Iowa State, where head coach Matt Campbell’s genuine belief in him made the decision easy.

At Iowa State, Purdy quickly proved his worth, leading the team to significant victories as a freshman and setting 32 school passing records by the end of his college career. Despite his success, scouts remained skeptical of his NFL potential, particularly after his underwhelming 40-yard dash time of 4.84 seconds. Purdy anticipated being a late-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft and kept his expectations realistic. His small-scale draft-watching party belied the nervous excitement that gripped him as he awaited his fate.

As the final rounds of the draft progressed, Purdy received hopeful calls from the 49ers' headquarters, raising and then dashing his hopes repeatedly as rounds passed by without his name being called. Exhausted, Purdy took a nap during the sixth round to escape the mounting stress. His break was interrupted by another call from the 49ers, who informed him that they might select him with their last pick, number 262. This anticipation led to a mix of disbelief and elation when he finally heard his name called as "Mr. Irrelevant," a title given to the last pick of the draft.

Purdy’s selection ignited a joyous celebration among family and friends, turning a potential disappointment into a festive gathering. Despite the "Mr. Irrelevant" title, Purdy approached the opportunity with seriousness and determination. Viewing his draft selection as a chance to prove himself, he committed wholeheartedly to earning a roster spot with the 49ers. His strong performance in training camp caught the eye of Shanahan and other key figures within the organization. Even teammates like linebacker Fred Warner and offensive tackle Trent Williams acknowledged his potential early on.

Throughout the preseason, Purdy displayed an impressive ability to make plays, gaining the respect of his coaches and teammates alike. Though he occasionally frustrated Shanahan by improvising too much, his overall command of the game was evident. By the end of training camp, Purdy had secured his place on the roster, with even seasoned coaches like Mike Shanahan, Kyle’s father, recognizing his unique abilities. Despite the daunting competition, Purdy’s determination and skill have positioned him as a promising quarterback for the 49ers, possibly transforming the narrative of the final draft pick into one of remarkable achievement.