Jimmy Garoppolo is the 49ers’ biggest, most important question mark going into the 2019 season. His health coming off a torn ACL and the ability to reach the form he was at to finish the 2017 season will determine the level San Francisco can reach in 2019. Garoppolo is undoubtedly talented enough to be a premier quarterback in the NFL, but those huge concerns pushed the 49ers down to No. 19 on Touchdown Wire’s list of NFL quarterback situations.
It’s worth noting first that the ranks only take the starting quarterback into account. Nick Mullens and CJ Beathard give the 49ers two capable backups who would push them further up this type of list.
Steven Ruiz, who authored the list, noted that the uncertainness around Garoppolo pushed him below some of the less talented quarterbacks:
Maybe the 49ers should be higher on this list, because, after all, Jimmy Garoppolo has looked like a potential franchise quarterback when he’s been on the field. But the fact that we’re still talking about potential in regard to a 27-year-old who was the highest-paid player in NFL history just last year has to be a concern.
There’s a good chance that Garoppolo might wind up closer to the top 10 on this list halfway through this season.
It’s important to remember though that the 27-year-old still has just 10 NFL starts, and he’s been injured twice in his three stints as a starting signal caller. His 2017 numbers were stellar in his first chance in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. He started five games and completed 67.4 percent of his throws for 1,560 yards with seven touchdowns and five interceptions.
Those stats alone point to a high-end NFL quarterback. His 2018 numbers were a little more concerning. His completion rate in three games dropped to 59.6 percent, and he tossed five touchdowns with three interceptions.
The good news for Garoppolo is he’s going into his second full season in Shanahan’s scheme, and got a chance last year to soak in a lot of the offense while he rehabbed his knee. He’s also looked good early in OTAs. While he hasn’t reached peak form, he’s moving with no real limitations while he drops back and throws.
Garoppolo has all the traits for a franchise quarterback. He’s a good athlete, a good leader, gets rid of the ball quickly, and can make all the throws. Decision-making and consistent accuracy will be paramount to his success in 2019. For now, No. 19 is a fair spot in these rankings. It’s hard to imagine he won’t be much higher next year if he returns to peak form this season..
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