Mark Schlereth sets lofty expectations for Brock Purdy for 2025 season: "He's a top-five quarterback"

NFL analyst Mark Schlereth believes San Francisco 49ers star Brock Purdy will prove he is a top-five quarterback in the NFL in 2025. While appearing on the "Breakfast Ball" show, Schlereth outlined how Purdy has been "unbelievable" since entering the league in various statistical categories:

"Brock Purdy proves he's a top-five quarterback. Mark it down. From the neck up. Decision-making. He gets through progressions like none other, and then yards per attempt. I don't even know what that means, but he's first in that. Means it's good... he is unbelievable."

Schlereth then continued by highlighting how the 49ers' decisions to trade away and release numerous players show that Purdy is considered important to the San Francisco front office and team.

"And everybody just wants to point to the fact that, oh, they have so many weapons. They're so good.

"He proves that it's a lot about Brock Purdy and not as much about all the weapons around him, because they got rid of guys. They got rid of Deebo. They've got guys that are coming off an injury. Brock Purdy proves that he's a top-five QB."

Is Brock Purdy a top-five QB in the NFL?

The case for Purdy being labeled a top-five QB in the NFL is an interesting one. However, it is hard to see how this is the case given the current strength of the QB position around the league.

Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Jalen Hurts are just a few names who would likely be chosen ahead of Purdy if general managers had their pick of any quarterback.

Although he is talented, Purdy has struggled when playing without one of running back Christian McCaffrey, tight end George Kittle, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, wide receiver Deebo Samuel or offensive lineman Trent Williams.

As of Oct. 21, 2024, Purdy had a career record of 14-2 when McCaffrey, Samuel and Williams were all playing. However, he was only 6-6 with one or more of them out of the lineup, according to NFL writer Kevin Patra.

With Deebo Samuel now a member of the Washington Commanders and Trent Williams nearing the end of his career, Purdy will need to prove he is more than just a player surrounded by a superstar supporting cast.