Will C J Beathard win the quarterback battle in San Francisco?

The San Fransisco Forty Niners chose not to take a quarterback in the first round of the draft. With the competition open, does C.J. Beathard have a chance to Shine?

Last season’s quarterback draft class was one that left a lot of questions. Many analysts stated that the class was full of first round talent but few have first round grades. The Forty Niners chose to trade back with the Bears and pass on top signal caller Mitchell Trubisky.

The Niners did, however, pick up a quarterback on day two of the draft. C.J. Beathard was that quarterback, the pick left some people scratching their head and others wondering if Beathard could be special.

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In the offseason, San Fransisco signed Brian Hoyer. Hoyer is a journeyman Bridge quarterback that is very intelligent and a very accurate passer. Hoyer is limited in some quarterback skills but has a winning record in the league.

Many felt in signing Hoyer, the Niners could punt on a starting quarterback in this year’s draft and look to next year. Because of that analyst where surprised to see the Niners take Beathard in the third round, a round where teams draft developmental starters. Beathard was on most draft boards a day three pick, at best a backup.

The main attribute Kyle Shannahan is looking for in a signal caller is intelligence. He needs a player that can run a complicated, yet productive offense. Hoyer has shown to be that guy. In Cleveland Hoyer had a winning record with Kyle, while also having a good quarterback rating. However, Hoyer has had trouble staying healthy the last couple seasons, one reason why the Forty Niners might be looking at Beathard.

Beathard has good size, he stands a tall 6’2″ and has a solid frame. Although he could stand to gain ten pounds to get ready for the NFL, he was able to absorb a lot of big hits in college. Beathard is smart.

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He played in a Pro-style system ran by Bill Belichick protege Kirk Ferentz. Ferentz asked a lot of Beathard in his time at Iowa. Beathard ran a pro-style offense flawlessly, with a less than great offensive line. He also did a good job at making reads pre and post snap on the field. Ferentz’s offense gave Beathard the upper hand on the mental side of the game coming out of college, an aspect Kyle Shannahan covets.

Beathard will have some work to do. He was criticized last season for holding the ball too long in the pocket. He also struggled with accuracy, throwing a lot of receivers back into coverage. His main hurdle will be timing routes.

Timing on throws will be something that coaches will watch closely when training camp starts, especially when the team puts on the pads.

So far in mini-camp, Beathard has impressed. He has done a good job of picking up the playbook while improving his mechanics. Moving forward he will have to show he can do it at a consistent level to win the job.

Beathard will need to prove his leadership abilities and learn to be vocal in the huddle. If Beathard can improve in those areas, word out of San Fransisco is that he can be the Niners opening day starter.