QB CJ Beathard - signs with Jacksonville

As important as the QB position is I would not be surprised to see the 49ers keep 3 QB's, but obviously TPTB have to see something in any of them in order to want to keep them. We'll find out if CJ qualifies. Until proven otherwise I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and in turn TPTB for selecting him.

Originally posted by NCommand:
Yeah, CJ intrigues me for a number of reasons:

1. Did he have any great skill positions? His best one went to us in the 5th round and he was known as a 'blocking TE'; his leading WR had 500 yards...next had 300.
2. Did he have a stellar running game which took a lot of pressure off him? Ranked 64th in the nation but did have two 1,000 yard rushers. They didn't have one the year before which is a sign that his injury in 2016 was very significant and they HAD to lean on the rushing attack heavily; naturally, this also means the defenses were prepared for a one-dimensional attack, hence, why, despite having two 1,000 yard rushers, they were still only 64th in the nation.
3. Did he have a stellar OL? The guy was beat to hell. Constantly. Ironically, this is one quality John/Kyle loved about him most.
4. Despite this, he continued to have a RAT of 122-140 all 3 years; that's being very efficient and consistent no matter the circumstances around you.

Ironically, the NFL may not be too big for him for these very reasons.

In fact, if you give him a good running game like we project to have here, a few weapons in the passing game (Kittle, Juice, Garcon, Kerley) and good pass protection coupled with a defense that can give him more chances on offense per game, he could potentially end up being pretty successful and build confidence within a consistent environment under consistent circumstances (something he clearly didn't have in Iowa with injuries, poor skill positions, one-dimensional offense, etc.).

I'm all for Hoyer getting a shot to put it all together and take the next step but if by week 10 Hoyer has plateaued, I'd be all for seeing Beathard take the reigns and see if he can simply, manage the game, the rest of the way. If we can put him in a better situation than Iowa, this kid has a chance to grow within the offense. It's too hard to put a ceiling on him right now but under Kyle's guidance, I'm sure he'll have the best chance to reach it.

Agree NC, and to just add - I've been looking at CJ's stats from 2015-2016 and nothing really impresses me. However, I noticed that in 2015 his main target was Matt Vandeberg @ 65 receptions, nobody else got even that much, at most 30+ each for Smith and Coble. Then in 2016 everything was reduced. Vandneburg's numbers plummeted (most likely due to injuries) from 65 to 19. They relied more on the run, and had two one thousand yard rushers for 2016.

The one comment that Kyle said about CJ was his ability to process. link. and that really is the only fact that I can see that might make CJ a good NFL QB. If CJ does become another version of Kirk Cousins, he saves both Cap money and draft capital for the team. Overall, CJ has decent mobility and an above average arm for a NFL QB. But nothing physically outstanding. His intangibles are there as PFF says he has good understanding of WR routes, can successfully throw into tight coverage, good in reading defenses and go through his progressions. My question is can he process at the NFL level? The NFL speed is so much faster than college ball, most QB's (like Colin) simply don't have that ability to get to the next level. Kyle thinks he can, and the proof will be in the pudding during pre-season and how he performs in those games. If not, yeah, I agree he can be cut or put on the PS.

"He processes the game so well," Shanahan said. "Tough as s–t. Got a chance. He reminds me a lot of Kirk Cousins."

Originally posted by Giedi:

Originally posted by NCommand:
Yeah, CJ intrigues me for a number of reasons:

1. Did he have any great skill positions? His best one went to us in the 5th round and he was known as a 'blocking TE'; his leading WR had 500 yards...next had 300.
2. Did he have a stellar running game which took a lot of pressure off him? Ranked 64th in the nation but did have two 1,000 yard rushers. They didn't have one the year before which is a sign that his injury in 2016 was very significant and they HAD to lean on the rushing attack heavily; naturally, this also means the defenses were prepared for a one-dimensional attack, hence, why, despite having two 1,000 yard rushers, they were still only 64th in the nation.
3. Did he have a stellar OL? The guy was beat to hell. Constantly. Ironically, this is one quality John/Kyle loved about him most.
4. Despite this, he continued to have a RAT of 122-140 all 3 years; that's being very efficient and consistent no matter the circumstances around you.

Ironically, the NFL may not be too big for him for these very reasons.

In fact, if you give him a good running game like we project to have here, a few weapons in the passing game (Kittle, Juice, Garcon, Kerley) and good pass protection coupled with a defense that can give him more chances on offense per game, he could potentially end up being pretty successful and build confidence within a consistent environment under consistent circumstances (something he clearly didn't have in Iowa with injuries, poor skill positions, one-dimensional offense, etc.).

I'm all for Hoyer getting a shot to put it all together and take the next step but if by week 10 Hoyer has plateaued, I'd be all for seeing Beathard take the reigns and see if he can simply, manage the game, the rest of the way. If we can put him in a better situation than Iowa, this kid has a chance to grow within the offense. It's too hard to put a ceiling on him right now but under Kyle's guidance, I'm sure he'll have the best chance to reach it.

Agree NC, and to just add - I've been looking at CJ's stats from 2015-2016 and nothing really impresses me. However, I noticed that in 2015 his main target was Matt Vandeberg @ 65 receptions, nobody else got even that much, at most 30+ each for Smith and Coble. Then in 2016 everything was reduced. Vandneburg's numbers plummeted (most likely due to injuries) from 65 to 19. They relied more on the run, and had two one thousand yard rushers for 2016.

The one comment that Kyle said about CJ was his ability to process. link. and that really is the only fact that I can see that might make CJ a good NFL QB. If CJ does become another version of Kirk Cousins, he saves both Cap money and draft capital for the team. Overall, CJ has decent mobility and an above average arm for a NFL QB. But nothing physically outstanding. His intangibles are there as PFF says he has good understanding of WR routes, can successfully throw into tight coverage, good in reading defenses and go through his progressions. My question is can he process at the NFL level? The NFL speed is so much faster than college ball, most QB's (like Colin) simply don't have that ability to get to the next level. Kyle thinks he can, and the proof will be in the pudding during pre-season and how he performs in those games. If not, yeah, I agree he can be cut or put on the PS.

"He processes the game so well," Shanahan said. "Tough as s–t. Got a chance. He reminds me a lot of Kirk Cousins."

For sure...like you noted the other day, 7 of the 10 attributes Kyle looks for are non-physical. I thought it was important to add that context. His ability to process has got to be #1 on Kyle's list and you have that in a quote...and the ability to stay in there and take a hit (toughness) while not missing time. I don't know if his processing is elite but my guess is, if it's above average, all you'll need to do is give him a few reliable skill players and a good running game. Most of his work will be done pre snap and within 3 seconds anyhow and you can see how much he distributes the ball around. I noted too that on his film, he's typically putting the ball in the right spot and certainly, is making the right reads but his WR can't get off the LOS and often times can't pull in an accurate (but contested) pass. I'm sure Kyle saw that too.

Originally posted by GoldenGateGlory:

I feel he is the special one and the chosen one.

He is....

The One.

Why

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by LeProfessionnel:
Dallas has the best o-line in the NFL and a great run game. We're nowhere near that. We also don't have one of the best WR's in the NFL.

If we had a really good WR group, a great o-line and top run game maybe CJ could come in and play well but I don't see him having the sort of success Prescott had his rookie year.

I don't think CJ will even see the field in 2017. If we don't land Cousins he might play in 2018 as a rookie learns the system. Hopefully we get a great WR in 2018. Hopefully our run game takes off this year. The o-line is another question mark IMO. Our run blocking was pretty bad last year.

Yeah, CJ intrigues me for a number of reasons:

1. Did he have any great skill positions? His best one went to us in the 5th round and he was known as a 'blocking TE'; his leading WR had 500 yards...next had 300.
2. Did he have a stellar running game which took a lot of pressure off him? Ranked 64th in the nation but did have two 1,000 yard rushers. They didn't have one the year before which is a sign that his injury in 2016 was very significant and they HAD to lean on the rushing attack heavily; naturally, this also means the defenses were prepared for a one-dimensional attack, hence, why, despite having two 1,000 yard rushers, they were still only 64th in the nation.
3. Did he have a stellar OL? The guy was beat to hell. Constantly. Ironically, this is one quality John/Kyle loved about him most.
4. Despite this, he continued to have a RAT of 122-140 all 3 years; that's being very efficient and consistent no matter the circumstances around you.

Ironically, the NFL may not be too big for him for these very reasons.

In fact, if you give him a good running game like we project to have here, a few weapons in the passing game (Kittle, Juice, Garcon, Kerley) and good pass protection coupled with a defense that can give him more chances on offense per game, he could potentially end up being pretty successful and build confidence within a consistent environment under consistent circumstances (something he clearly didn't have in Iowa with injuries, poor skill positions, one-dimensional offense, etc.).

I'm all for Hoyer getting a shot to put it all together and take the next step but if by week 10 Hoyer has plateaued, I'd be all for seeing Beathard take the reigns and see if he can simply, manage the game, the rest of the way. If we can put him in a better situation than Iowa, this kid has a chance to grow within the offense. It's too hard to put a ceiling on him right now but under Kyle's guidance, I'm sure he'll have the best chance to reach it.

Well said.

Originally posted by cjsmoove:

Well said.

Thank you, kind sir.

Retlooled and reschooled, we really just need to luck in on some punky QB who is unexpected but becomes an ALL PRO.

CJ doing all the right things. He is listening and he is growing and it is the belief of a lot of people on this site that he is going to become the steal of the draft.

Didn't someone say he threw a wobbly interception on his second throw in practice?


Please don't tell me it was Cohn

Wobble, Wobble, Wobble...

Originally posted by Zachary:

Originally posted by mayo49:

Originally posted by Zachary:

I'm not expecting anything from him

Have faith, bud.

Didn't hear about him leading up to the draft, bad name, looks dumb, just don't know man

Please prove me wrong but based off of no visual research, I'm expecting his ceiling to be Shaun Hill. Backup and spot starter

Probably didn't watch a whole lot of Iowa football. He was a stud in 2015, and had he repeated that in 2016, he would've gone higher in the draft. A good friend of mine is an Iowa fan and Niner fan, so he's stoked about it. He basically told me the same thing Shanahan said. That CJ's struggles had more to do with a lack of talent around him last year.

Only time will tell, but the kid is tough as nails, and is willing to work. That is a good start.

He may have average velocity -- but I rarely see him throw a tight spiral more than 20 yards down the field.

Originally posted by okdkid:
He may have average velocity -- but I rarely see him throw a tight spiral more than 20 yards down the field.

This is something that stood out to me when I sat down and watched his tape after we drafted him.

He has some issues throwing a piercing spiral on his intermediate to deep throws. His short stuff is excellent, but he needs to tighten up and be more consistent with his downfield throws. The good thing is that this can be remedied with coaching. Steve Young had this same issue when he came to the 49ers. Bill Walsh forced him to re-learn how to throw a spiral. If CJ can get this fixed, it will significantly increase his ability to push the ball down the field.

Originally posted by okdkid:

He may have average velocity -- but I rarely see him throw a tight spiral more than 20 yards down the field.

I mean it wasn't a rope...but looked like a decent spiral to me?



I see why Kyle went after the kid based on all the play-action stuff and the fact that he seems to have a good football mind/made line changes and stuff like that in college. It wasn't all one read stuff or half of the field progressions that makes up a lot of college ball today.

IMO I don't see him as the FQB guy and I can live with him as a good backup and developmental guy. Just glad we didn't burn a top pick on any of these qbs.

I think CJ will be throwing a lot of 2-5 yard passes in the new WCO which suits his game perfectly.

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Originally posted by okdkid:
He may have average velocity -- but I rarely see him throw a tight spiral more than 20 yards down the field.

I mean it wasn't a rope...but looked like a decent spiral to me?



I see why Kyle went after the kid based on all the play-action stuff and the fact that he seems to have a good football mind/made line changes and stuff like that in college. It wasn't all one read stuff or half of the field progressions that makes up a lot of college ball today.

IMO I don't see him as the FQB guy and I can live with him as a good backup and developmental guy. Just glad we didn't burn a top pick on any of these qbs.

If he can be a high quality back-up then yipee!

Getting a back-up to come in off the pine and perform well is hard to find.