Quarterback Brian Hoyer has worked with Shanahan before so the learning curve is not nearly as difficult for him. The eight-year veteran started 13 games with the Cleveland Browns in 2014 while Shanahan was the offensive coordinator. That year, Hoyer passed for a career-high 3,326 yards, completing 55.3 percent of his passes and throwing 12 touchdowns compared to 13 interceptions.
On Wednesday, Hoyer discussed why Beathard's college background puts him at an advantage over someone who might have come from a different style offense.
"I think the one thing that C.J. has going for him is he's one of the few quarterbacks that actually called plays (in college) from a huddle last year," Hoyer said. "He's used to having to call a play (from there). Now, there were arm signals from the sideline or whatever but that's one thing that I think you can see. C.J.'s used to having to get a play call, call in the huddle, as opposed to maybe a guy who just looks over to the sideline, never has to say anything to the offense, and then just goes and runs the play.
"I think if you were to come from a system like that and do this, you would be swimming no matter what you did because to have to hear a play, repeat it, break the huddle, and then remember all that, I could see it being tough."
That would explain why Beathard was the one quarterback on the 49ers' draft board who Shanahan really wanted. While he may have been available when San Francisco selected in the fourth round, they traded up into the third round to select him so they could rest easy that night knowing Shanahan got his guy.
In 2015, which was his best season with the Hawkeyes, Beathard completed 61.6 percent of his passes for 2,809 pass yards, 17 touchdowns, and five interceptions.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Eric Kendricks explains why joining 'inspiring' 49ers was the right move
The San Francisco 49ers have officially added veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks to their roster, over a year after he initially backed out of a deal to join the team and instead signed with the Dallas Cowboys. Now, both sides have moved past that decision, and Kendricks is... -
49ers rookie Kurtis Rourke explains why recent roster move is so important
The San Francisco 49ers opened rookie quarterback Kurtis Rourke's practice window on Monday, giving the team 21 days to evaluate the young signal-caller as he works to prove he is healthy after undergoing surgery in January to repair a torn ACL, an injury he played through in... -
Kyle Shanahan explains curious 49ers roster moves, sets expectations for Jordan Watkins
Twice this season—once ahead of a Week 10 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams and again before Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans—the San Francisco 49ers elevated defensive tackle Sebastian Valdez from the practice squad. In both instances, Valdez was ultimately... -
49ers add RB Christian McCaffrey to injury report, list him as questionable against Titans
The San Francisco 49ers added running back Christian McCaffrey to the injury list on Saturday (back). The star rusher is now listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans. If McCaffrey is unable to play, this would be his first game missed this...