Before the start of training camp at the end of July, we’ll rank the top 25 49ers based on production at their position, physical attributes, upside and expected impact in 2017.
No. 18: Brian Hoyer, QB
Much of the talk surrounding the 49ers this offseason has been about their lack of a long-term option at quarterback.
New coach Kyle Shanahan hand-picked his starter for his first season, opting for veteran journeyman Brian Hoyer on an affordable two-year, $12-million contract in free agency, headlining an entirely new quarterback room. Shanahan decided against keeping any of the signal callers from 2016 when Chip Kelly’s offense fielded the NFL’s last-ranked passing attack.
Hoyer checks a lot of boxes for San Francisco entering Year 1 of the franchise overhaul. He’s affordable, has experience running Shanahan’s offense and can play competitive football.
Hoyer in his last 17 games (14 starts) completed 63 percent of his throws while averaging 238 yards with 25 touchdown passes to just seven interceptions. His quarterback rating: 93.7, which would have ranked 12th among starters last season, ahead of Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, Eli Manning, Cam Newton and others.
(Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
But Hoyer has some bad strings of play on his resume, including his four-interception performance starting for Houston in an embarrassing, 30-0 loss to the Chiefs in the first round of the 2015 playoffs – at home. Hoyer in 2014 with Shanahan in Cleveland threw eight picks to one touchdown over his final four starts (1-3) after starting the season 6-3.
What Hoyer hasn’t had is the chance to be the clear-cut starter entering the season. The bulk of his work has come in relief, with the exception of that year with the Browns when he had to fend off first-round pick Johnny Manziel despite pressure surrounding the organization to play the Heisman winner.
At 31, Hoyer is an interesting point in his career. He’s facing little pressure to turn the 49ers into a winner right now, while the team has no clear heir apparent on the roster.
Shanahan and new general manager John Lynch traded back into the third round of the recent NFL draft for Iowa’s C.J. Beathard, but he enters training camp as the clear third quarterback behind backup Matt Barkley.
Realistically, the greatest challenge to Hoyer’s starting spot is likely to come in 2018 in the form of a veteran free agent like Kirk Cousins or Jimmy Garoppolo – or a quarterback in next spring’s draft if Beathard doesn’t develop as viable option to start.
Hoyer, in many ways, is playing with house money. Shanahan’s regarded as one of the best offensive minds in the league working with entirely new personnel. That should give the 49ers an advantage early in the season before their tendencies are put on tape for defenses to adjust to.
If Hoyer’s numbers are in line with what he did in the last two regular seasons with Houston and Chicago, San Francisco’s offense may surprise some people, making Hoyer deserving of a move up our rankings.
Previous rankings:
No. 19: Joshua Garnett
No. 20: Zane Beadles
No. 21: Quinton Dial
No. 22: Joe Williams
No. 23: Vance McDonald
No. 24: Ahkello Witherspoon
No. 25: K’Waun Williams
