© Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
As training camps approaches for the 49ers and second year head coach Kyle Shanahan, an excitement is beginning to build in anticipation of Jimmy Garoppolo’s first full season at starting quarterback.
Longtime NFL writer Peter King joined the Murph & Mac podcast this morning to give his take on the upcoming sophomore year for Jimmy G and the 49ers.
While playing golf with former Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Tony Romo, King said they talked about over 40 topics. However, for three holes all they could talk about was Garoppolo.
“It’s hard to imagine a quarterback prospect in NFL history who has the bedrock of quality upbringing, as an NFL quarterback, as Jimmy Garoppolo does.” King said. “Cause think about it, you are drafted by the Patriots. You are in a quarterback room with Tom Brady. You’re being coached every day by Josh McDaniels. You go sit in team meetings and listen to Bill Belichick, and you get inculcated into the winning way of the NFL by Bill Belichick.”
Taken 62nd overall in the second round of the 2014 draft, Jimmy Garoppolo sat behind Tom Brady for more then three seasons. In that time, he was a part of two Super Bowl Championships, XLIX and LI. He, however, only started two games in his time with the Patriots.
King went on to talk about how the Patriots’ influence plays into Kyle Shanahan’s offensive style.
“Romo made a lot of really good points about the good fortune of Jimmy Garoppolo,” King said, “And one of the things he said was people totally underestimate how great Kyle Shanahan is on first down. On getting chunk plays on first down. Most other coaches you might see a swing pass or a wheel route by the running back. Kyle Shanahan is attacking on first down. So, that suits Jimmy Garoppolo’s game, cause he’s a little bit of a river boat Jimmy.”
A product of Romo’s alma mater Eastern Illinois University, Garoppolo excelled in throwing the ball for the 49ers last season. He averaged a little more then 300 yards per game with his longest completion last season being 61 yards.
With the 49ers preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys less then a month away, King had one final thought to leave with Murph & Mac.
“I don’t want to overstate this, but he is the most compelling story in the NFL this year,” King said.