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San Francisco 49ers: Predicting each rookie’s role, impact after 2017 NFL Draft

By James LeBreton

Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Solomon Thomas (Stanford) poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (right) as he is selected as the number 3 overall pick to the San Francisco 49ers in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Solomon Thomas (Stanford) poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (right) as he is selected as the number 3 overall pick to the San Francisco 49ers in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2017; Tampa , FL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback C.J. Beathard (16) looks to call a play against the Florida Gators during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Tampa , FL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback C.J. Beathard (16) looks to call a play against the Florida Gators during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 3, Pick 104: C.J. Beathard

It’s no secret that the 49ers need help along the entire roster. However, since the turn of free agency, its the quarterback position that’s been getting all the chatter.

In large part to the additions of Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley, Shanahan can sit back and weigh his options of who will be the next franchise quarterback. Before the start of the draft there was talk that maybe the 49ers would invest a high pick at the quarterback position.

On the other hand, Shanahan who was fully aware of Kirk Cousins discontent in Washington could’ve banked on a reunion for next season. By selecting C.J Beathard with pick number 104 in the third round, the 49ers made it perfectly clear which direction they were headed.

All signs point to Kirk cousins in 2018, but that doesn’t mean that you should count out Beathard by any means. He was 12-2 as a starter last year for Iowa while leading them to a Rose Bowl appearance against Stanford.

He will have his chance to compete with Hoyer and Barkley. He could quite possibly win the starting job. After all, he’s been on the team less than a week, and has already been placed in a position to succeed.

Shanahan has a knack for getting maximum potential from his quarterbacks, and in the fifth round the 49ers drafted a familiar pair of hands in George Kittle.

In four years with the Hawkeyes, Beathard posted a average career rating of 129.8 while throwing for over 5500 yards. Many people have high hopes for the youngster, and the comparisons to existing players are already starting to roll in.

Realistically, he’s a third string quarterback, but if the 49ers decide to only carry two quarterbacks on the roster then he’ll see action on the practice squad. Last year, Shanahan carried three quarterbacks on the roster, there’s no reason to think that he won’t this year as well.

Prediction: Third String QB

Next: Joe Williams