49ers may draft one of these quarterbacks if Brock Purdy ultimately flops

The San Francisco 49ers have handed the keys (so to speak) to the city to third-year quarterback Brock Purdy. After a season and a half of impressive performances and fairly consistent play, the Niners have faith in him.

At least for now.

With his rookie contract approaching an end, a huge payday looms, and another potential mega-deal to keep the star hurler in San Francisco could leave the team in a bind. Yes, the 49ers have been wizards at navigating the salary cap, but they're already projected to be well over next year's limit.

Perhaps it's worth exploring a quarterback reset to allow some financial flexibility for the organization to continue its winning ways, particularly if Purdy ends up crashing back to earth this season.

After all, there are a few potential prospects worth plucking in the first or second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, should they fall to the Niners wherever they end up picking.

1. Quinn Ewers, University of Texas

The starting quarterback for the University of Texas, Quinn Ewers, is expected to enter the 2025 draft next year. Ewers had a solid 2023 campaign for the Longhorns, throwing for 22 touchdowns and just six interceptions while earning 3,479 yards.

His completion percentage increased by more than 10 percent from the year before, and Ewers will lead the Longhorns this weekend in Ann Harbor against the No. 10-ranked Michigan Wolverines.

Taking down a top-10 team this early in the season would only propel his demand come next April. Ewers had his greatest performance in 2023 against Oklahoma State where he racked up four touchdowns and over 450 yards.

The Longhorns lost a close battle against the Washington Huskies in the College Playoff Semifinals (37-31). Ewers moved the ball down field while leading the charge on offense by recording over 300 yards by air and accumulated 54 more with the run.

Earlier this season, Ewers showed his skill set once again as he connected on three more scores in the season opener. Texas won the game 52-0 at home against Colorado State.

Expected to go early, the 49ers may need to trade up. However, this is not the only hunk of gold the 49ers could find in the first round of the next draft.