NFL QB Power Rankings, Divisional Round: Stroud, Mayfield shine; top QBs making a statement

No. 4: Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers

2023 NFL Stats: 16 games | 69.4 pct | 4,280 pass yards | 31 TDs | 11 INT

Wild Card Round: Bye

Brock Purdy is in the top 5 based on his previous playoff success.  As the least talented quarterback with the most talented team around him, Purdy is driven by his internal motivation. 

A seventh-round pick, the Iowa State product has emerged under Mike Shanahan in leading a San Francisco 49ers offense that has been just about unstoppable when Purdy is allowed to do his thing in the pocket.  That is what makes him dangerous because teams continue to take him for granted.

Like the great Tom Brady early in his career, Purdy is doing what’s necessary to help his team win while making the big plays when necessary.  With players like Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle and Deebo Samuel around him, Purdy doesn’t need to be spectacular, he just has to be effective and maintains that drive within.

"I know who I am," Purdy said regarding the outside noise regarding his ability, via ESPN. "I know my purpose in life is to love those in my life, the people in my community, and serve people in my life and that overrides any other kind of opinion or anything that someone has online or on TV. I don't live for that and I never have. And so even though I'm a starting quarterback now, why would I change?"

Purdy and the 49ers will take on a Green Bay Packers team looking to come in and make a statement in the Divisional Round.  Part of their mission defensively will be to rattle Purdy, which could play in Purdy’s favor.