Does Grant Cohn Hate 49ers QB Brock Purdy?

Somehow people labeled me a Brock Purdy Hater.

I assure you that couldn't be further from the truth. I admire Purdy. He's a joy to watch compete. The most exciting quarterback the 49ers have had in quite some time. I'm not ready to label him the next great 49ers quarterback -- he's too young and still has so much to prove. But I can list all kinds of things I appreciate about his game.

First, he's one of the smartest quarterbacks in the league. When it comes to reading a defense before the snap and during the play, very quarterbacks are better than Purdy. He processes information so quickly and goes through his reads without hesitating. He almost always finds the open receiver. That's impressive.

Second, he's extremely accurate and can make all the throws the 49ers need him to make despite questionable arm strength. He probably can't throw a 70-yard Hail Mary, but he's never had to.

Third, he's excellent at avoiding pressure in the pocket. He plays behind a shaky offensive line, and yet he doesn't get sacked a ton, and that's because he moves so well and he's decisive. He doesn't freeze in the pocket like Jimmy Garoppolo -- he slides in the pocket, or leaves the pocket and extends plays. This is my favorite part of his game. His feet.

A smart, accurate, mobile quarterback can be extremely successful in the NFL -- Purdy has all those tools. The one thing I still want to see from him is how he plays when he's trailing. That's when quarterbacks have to take chances to bring their team back, and Purdy tends to commit turnovers when he has to take chances. He's much better when he can play with a lead and take what the defense gives him.

Fortunately for Purdy, he'll have opportunities to play from behind in his career, he'll gain the needed experience and improve. How quickly he'll improve is the question.