SANTA CLARA — Moments after John Lynch met with the media Friday night, we thought the 49ers were done in the third round. Those assumptions were wrong.
The 49ers traded pick 109 and 219 to Minnesota — the Vikings called San Francisco to initiate the trade — for pick 104 in the third round, and they took Iowa quarterback C.J. Beathard.
Initially this move seems head-scratching. Beathard was a projected sixth round pick by most experts. He had a solid junior season (2,809 pass yards, 17 touchdowns and just five interceptions) but struggled his senior season. Also alarming: A two year sack total of 58. On tape, there is a lot of hesitation coming from the pocket — but he did play in a pro style offense. He played nine games in 2015, which Kyle Shanahan cited as the best he saw of Beathard on film.
But again, Kyle Shanahan knows what he’s looking for on film. He wouldn’t waste a draft pick in the third round on a player without major upside.
“One thing that helps is being able to see guys play the way you’re going to ask them to play,” Shanahan said. “It helps being at Iowa and watching the system he’s in. It’s easier to see to watch him over the years. He’s a three-year starter. He’s led his team to a bunch of wins, especially in 2015 when they had a better team and he played unbelievable.”
Kyle on C.J. Beathard: "Played in pro style system, led his team to wins, he's a leader, he's tough, accurate, lives and dies football."
— Kevin Jones (@Mr_KevinJones) April 29, 2017
C.J. Beathard on the 49ers picking him this high: "They won't regret it."
— Kevin Jones (@Mr_KevinJones) April 29, 2017
Kyle Shanahan says his QB depth chart is:
1. Brian Hoyer
2. Matt Barkley
3. C.J. Beathard"We are bringing C.J. here to develop."
— Kevin Jones (@Mr_KevinJones) April 29, 2017
Here’s the scouting report from NFL.com on Beathard.
STRENGTHS
Played in pro-style passing attack, working under center and from shotgun. Capable and confident rolling out. Squares shoulders to deliver strikes. Completed 57 percent of his passes outside of the pocket at Iowa. Showed improved touch on short throws. Footwork and pocket mechanics look solid. Throws with some natural accuracy despite pedestrian completion percentage. Better tape in 2015 as he had to overcome injuries to key targets in 2016. Has the arm strength to throw the deep out without laboring. Trusts his line and keeps eyes downfield. Plays with relatively calm demeanor. Good feel and timing for screen game. Knee brace slowed him some during senior season, but he has ability to escape the heat. Team leader with ability to handle adversity. Won’t take unnecessary chances.
WEAKNESSES
Hesitation is a noticeable issue. Often late to pull trigger on throws toward the sideline, forcing receivers into boundary and out of the catch. Slow field scanner who tends to lock into a single side. Too much eye-balling and not enough manipulating. Poor feel for pocket pressure. Two-year sack total of 58 is too high in play-action attack. Anchors deep in pocket and rarely climbs pocket to safe harbor. Oblivious to backside pressure until it’s too late. Needs more air under the long ball. Deep-ball accuracy has been terrible. Completed under 30 percent of throws beyond 20 yards in last two seasons at Iowa. Completed just 43 percent of throws beyond line of scrimmage to right sideline.