Brock Purdy Left Out of ESPN 2026 QB Rankings

Why Purdy Missed the Top 10

Brock Purdy slipped out of ESPN’s 2026 top‑10 quarterback list, landing instead among the honorable mentions. The list, compiled from a survey of more than 70 league executives, coaches, and scouts, was released Monday. Purdy’s omission contrasts sharply with the strong metrics he posted in 2025.

The honorable‑mention group includes Jayden Daniels, Jordan Love, Baker Mayfield, Trevor Lawrence, and Jalen Hurts. The absence of the 49ers signal‑caller has sparked debate about the weight voters give to traditional scouting versus advanced analytics.

How Purdy Performed on the Field

In 2025, Purdy started nine games, completing 69.4 % of his passes for 2,167 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. The 49ers finished 13‑4 and advanced to the divisional round despite his turf‑toe injury that kept him out half the season. An NFC executive praised Purdy’s skill set, saying, “He has got two superpowers,” “Layering the ball and short‑area quickness to stay alive. He’s elite in those two areas.”

His on‑field production demonstrated an ability to stay alive in the pocket and deliver efficient passing even when pressured.

PFF Grades and Advanced Metrics

Pro Football Focus ranked Purdy as the NFL’s 10th‑best quarterback entering 2026, ahead of eight former No. 1 overall picks. His overall PFF grade of 85.4 placed him sixth among all signal‑callers, while a 65.8 mark under pressure ranked third. Purdy led the league with a 9.0 % pressure‑to‑sack rate and posted a 78.7 % accuracy figure that ranks among the best in the league.

He also topped the quarterback class in EPA per play on third and fourth down, posting a 0.58 figure that dwarfed Jordan Love’s 0.42 and Drake Maye’s 0.33. The ability to avoid sacks and generate positive play‑calling underscored his efficiency.

What Voters Said About the 49ers’ Supporting Cast

Voters may have factored in the talent surrounding Purdy, but the data tells a different story. PFF’s supporting‑cast grades placed the 49ers fifth in the league at 80.6 overall, with the receiving corps rated sixth at 80.9. The unit trails the Rams, Seahawks, Lions, and Colts, and the presumed advantage of Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle isn’t reflected in the metrics.

This suggests that the 49ers’ overall roster depth isn’t the runaway advantage some voters assumed, adding nuance to Purdy’s ranking snub.

Looking Ahead for Purdy

Purdy’s 2025 season showcased growth that positions him as an ascending elite quarterback, yet the broader NFL eye still hasn’t fully adjusted to that reality. His combination of poise, quick release, and third‑down efficiency provides a foundation for future upward movement in similar rankings. The gap between analytics and traditional scouting will be a key storyline as Purdy heads into the 2026 campaign.