On May 16, ESPN’s Adam Schefter dropped a bombshell, citing sources that the San Francisco 49ers had locked in their quarterback of the future, Brock Purdy, with a massive five-year, $265 million contract, including $181 million in guaranteed money. This deal cements Purdy, the last pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, as the cornerstone of the 49ers’ ambitions for years to come. With their quarterback secured, the 49ers’ front office is now laser-focused on building a roster to maximize Purdy’s potential and propel the team toward a Super Bowl victory.
A Strategic Move to Protect Their Star
Following the conclusion of Week 1 in the college football season, CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson released his first mock draft of the year on September 1, offering insight into how the 49ers might approach the 2025 NFL Draft. With Purdy now entrenched as the franchise quarterback, Wilson predicts San Francisco will prioritize bolstering their offensive line to ensure his protection. Specifically, Wilson projects the 49ers selecting Auburn’s Xavier Chaplin at the No. 26 overall pick.
Wilson praised Chaplin’s physical attributes, noting, “On the offensive line, Chaplin showcases strength and agility, with excellent anchoring ability, though he needs to refine his technique for the next level. He’s a powerful run-blocker, excelling in combo blocks and sealing off second-level defenders.” Chaplin, who transferred to Auburn from Virginia Tech for the 2025 season, is now tasked with proving himself against the SEC’s ferocious defensive fronts. His draft stock could soar if he maintains consistency and showcases his potential as a long-term protector for Purdy.
Scouting the Next Big Thing
Despite Wilson’s projection, opinions on Chaplin’s draft stock vary. In a June 10 CBS Sports article, anonymous scouts and an Auburn source weighed in on the offensive tackle’s potential. An Auburn insider drew a striking comparison, saying, “When you see this kid in person, he looks just like Laremy Tunsil. He’s not as tall as Laremy, but his proportions are spot-on. He’s a legitimate NFL talent, no question. He’s the best-looking offensive tackle to walk through our doors in the last three years. He’s polished and tough.”
However, not all evaluations are as glowing. One scout expressed reservations about Chaplin’s first-round potential, stating, “I love his frame, and he definitely uses his length well against speed rushers and sets the edge in the run game, but he tends to bend too much at the waist and needs to improve his awareness against stunts and blitzes. He’s got the tools to be a mid-round pick, but he’s still a bit raw.” For Chaplin to solidify himself as a first-round talent, his performance at Auburn this season will be critical.
Purdy’s Commitment to Consistency
While the 49ers’ front office plans for the future, Purdy remains focused on the present. In a September 2 article by NBC Sports Bay Area & California, the young quarterback emphasized his commitment to staying true to the qualities that earned him his remarkable rise from “Mr. Irrelevant” to NFL stardom. “My mindset, how I prepare for games, how I practice, how I lead people—I’m going to keep doing what got me here, which is being authentic, genuine, and going all out,” Purdy told NBC Sports Bay Area.
This mentality underscores why the 49ers are all-in on Purdy. His work ethic, leadership, and poise have transformed him into a franchise quarterback, and the team is now tasked with surrounding him with the right pieces to chase a championship.
Building Around a Franchise Quarterback
The 49ers’ decision to invest heavily in Purdy signals a clear shift in their roster-building strategy. Every move in the offseason, from free agency to the draft, will revolve around supporting their quarterback. Whether it’s adding a talent like Xavier Chaplin to fortify the offensive line or acquiring new weapons to complement Purdy’s playstyle, the front office is plotting a calculated approach to ensure his ascent continues uninterrupted.
While it’s too early to know the exact needs of the 49ers in the 2025 offseason, protecting Purdy remains a top priority. If Chaplin can refine his technique and prove his mettle in the SEC, he could be the key to keeping San Francisco’s quarterback upright and thriving. As the 49ers aim to build a Super Bowl contender, all eyes will be on Purdy—and the stunning moves the front office makes to elevate him to new heights.