The San Francisco 49ers don’t need to draft a quarterback early, but it never hurts to take one later. That’s what the team did with Brock Purdy in 2022, and it worked out well for them in the end.
The 2026 draft isn’t known for its quarterbacks, but the 49ers could still look at one on Day 3. ESPN’s Jordan Reid suggests the 49ers would be a great landing spot for Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer somewhere in the middle or late on the final day of the draft.
Altmyer is a true point guard who gets the ball out in a hurry, spreads it around and is a swift processor of opposing defenses. He does a great job identifying breakdowns or holes in defenses, and his 8.0% off-target percentage was the eighth lowest in the FBS.
Illinois’ offense runs a mixture of light and heavy personnel sets, so Altmyer has gained experience with a variety of pre-snap positionings. He can play from under center or in the shotgun, operates well off play-action and can read out leveled concepts. He can also run when opportunities present themselves, showing the escapability and quickness to outrace first- and second-level defenders.
Altmyer’s confidence can be a gift and a curse, as he’ll bypass safer options in hopes of hunting for flashy plays. That daredevil mentality can prompt him to force throws into tight windows. Altmyer has a limited arm, but he’s functional in schemes that allow him to attack off timing routes.
Altmyer is a 6-foot-2, 210-pound senior who completed 67.4% of his passes in 2025 for 3,007 yards, 22 touchdowns and five interceptions. He wouldn’t threaten Purdy or backup Mac Jones on the depth chart, but he would be solid insurance in 2026 if the 49ers decide to move Jones to a quarterback-needy team.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: ESPN names 49ers as landing spot for late-round QB prospect
Reporting by Oliver G., Niners Wire / Niners Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
