49ers Select Kurtis Rourke in Seventh Round: Another Late-Blooming QB Prospect

In a move reflecting their strategy of building depth at the quarterback position, the San Francisco 49ers have surprised some by drafting Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke with the 227th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Rourke's selection comes on the heels of last year's success with 2022 seventh-round pick Brock Purdy, who has since emerged as the starter for the Niners. Standing 6'4" and weighing 220 pounds, Rourke brings an intriguing skill set to the 49ers’ quarterback room, which already includes Brock Purdy and Mac Jones. Notably, Rourke would have likely been picked earlier were it not for his injury history, having torn his right ACL twice—once at Ohio and again last season. Despite these setbacks, he played through significant discomfort during his last season, throwing for 3,042 yards and 29 touchdowns with an impressive 69.4% completion rate. After his January surgery, it's uncertain if Rourke will be cleared by the time training camp begins. However, he expressed optimism about his recovery and eagerness to contribute to Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system. His experience playing through injury has fostered a resilience that Rourke believes will help him adapt as he enters the NFL. The move to draft Rourke positions the 49ers well for the future, especially given the team’s ongoing examination of quarterback depth and performance under pressure. Last year's narrative highlighted the unpredictability of injuries at the quarterback position for the Niners, which has accentuated the importance of securing reliable backups like Rourke. With Shanahan’s quarterback-friendly system, Rourke could evolve into a valuable asset as he learns the playbook and hones his skills further. From a strategic standpoint, drafting Rourke, even as a potential third-string option, could pay dividends down the line—both in terms of developing a dependable backup and leveraging trade value if he demonstrates growth. Though it’s a long-term investment given his recovery timeline, the 49ers haven't shied away from making bold moves in the draft. Given their historically volatile quarterback situation, securing another prospect is a prudent gamble in an otherwise stable core. Furthermore, as Rourke steps into this new landscape, he carries the weight of expectation that accompanies his predecessors’ successes. And while he faces an uphill battle competing for a roster spot behind established talents, Rourke’s tenacity and potential could see him break through the barriers, embodying the relentless ambition that characterizes the 49ers’ franchise. As we continue to follow the NFL Draft developments, notably the picks leading into the later rounds, the 49ers remain intriguing while building their offensive depth, notably at the quarterback position. Rourke's performance will be essential to watch as he attempts to make his mark in an increasingly competitive landscape.