What are some examples of players seemingly, out of nowhere or not, making the absolute most of their chances when they get their one shot? Examples include:
Sam Darnold – J.J. McCarthy was the 1st round pick when Darnold was brought in. McCarthy wasn’t seen as a bust, so there wasn’t clamoring for Darnold to play, but he got injured before the season started, Darnold went in and lit it up. His performance with the Vikings got him the Seahawks job and they arguably don’t make it to the Super Bowl without him.
Brock Purdy – Last pick of the draft nobody ever expected to start. Jimmy G and Lance both got injured (Lance was still seen as the future entering that season) and Purdy never gave the job back. I’m not sure any other 7th round QB in years could have done what he did, and it probably doesn’t work out that way on almost every other team but the 49ers.
Jalen Hurts – Not as an extreme example as Darnold or Purdy but if Wentz doesn’t stink it up in 2020 Hurts may not get a chance because Wentz would be the starter again in 2021. The last decade of Eagles football has been fascinating and I’d argue Wentz’s injury in that 2017 Rams game was the biggest butterfly effect to where we are now I can imagine.
Maybe Dicker the kicker getting his small shot with us while Elliott was out that helped pave his NFL career?
