Very few had the 49ers keeping three quarterbacks. KNBR.com did in our five surprise predictions.
Sounds like the #49ers will keep QB Christian Ponder as their third quarterback. His audition worked well.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 3, 2016
Our staff writer Kevin Jones had a hunch about Ponder last week, arguing he’s a valuable insurance policy and viable Plan C for Chip Kelly.
Before you say there’s no way the 49ers keep three quarterbacks, remember Kelly had three on the roster last season with the Eagles — Sam Bradford, Mark Sanchez and Thad Lewis. None of those were young developmental guys, either. Kelly likes having options on his menu, and Ponder (albeit in the fourth quarter of a preseason game) gives the 49ers an insurance policy at the most important position in sports. Multiple teams carried three quarterbacks last season, the Browns ended up using all three of theirs — Josh McCown, Johnny Manziel and Austin Davis.
You could argue that no other NFL team will pick up Ponder, and Baalke can give him a call if the 49ers need him in an injury pinch. But we all saw Jeff Driskel’s shaky performance against the Chargers. There’s no way you want the rookie to see the field in 2016 regular season game, and Driskel’s practice squad spot may even be in jeopardy. He’s just not an NFL quarterback. Ponder is, and he’s worth keeping around the building in case of emergency.
Who’s spot does Ponder take: Offensive lineman Colin Kelly. Nine offensive linemen are not necessary. Joe Staley
Zane Beadles, Daniel Kilgore, Andrew Tiller, Trent Brown, Anthony Davis, Joshua Garnett and Fahn Cooper are more than enough, especially given that Garnett will likely come off the bench and Davis can play multiple positions.
An interesting point from Matt Barrows here, too.
If #49ers indeed keep Ponder, it will be viewed as way to keep Colin Kaepernick out of uniform/off 46-man roster when season begins.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) September 3, 2016