Quarterback Nick Mullens has been a major topic of conversation for the 49ers since he took over for the injured Jimmy Garoppolo during the Week 2 win over the New York Jets. Against two talent-deprived teams in the last two weeks, Mullens’ strong performances with numerous starters out injured have made people question whether the 25-year-old could be a starting QB in the NFL.
Joining the many teammates heaping praise on Mullens this week was cornerback Richard Sherman, who believes Mullens has what it takes to be an NFL QB1, as he explained on “The Cris Collinsworth Podcast featuring Richard Sherman.”
"Nick Mullens has such a high ceiling," Sherman said. "And I think sometimes you get caught up in this league and say, 'Hey, this guy was drafted (in the) first round, so we hold him to this regard. This guy was undrafted, so we don't even give him consideration for being a top-level guy.'
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"I think Nick Mullens can be a great quarterback in this league. Obviously, Jimmy's our guy, and he's the guy who's going to get his snaps when he comes back, and gets the acclaim. But I think Nick, when he gets his chance to be a starting quarterback in this league at some point, is going to surprise people."
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Sherman has practiced against Mullens for multiple years now since he joined the 49ers in 2018, so he’d know Mullens’ true talent more than most.
The 49ers will need him to play like a No. 1 QB in Week 4 as they welcome the Philadelphia Eagles, an 0-2-1 team desperate to win, to Levi’s Stadium on Sunday. As long as Garoppolo remains out, it will be on Mullens to lead coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
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After the afternoon NFL games end Sunday, go to NBC Sports Bay Area or the MyTeams app at 4 p.m. PT for "49ers Pregame Live," as Laura Britt, Jeff Garcia, Donte Whitner, Ian Williams, Matt Maiocco, Jennifer Lee Chan and Grant Liffmann preview the "Sunday Night Football" matchup against the Eagles. Then, after the game, come back for "49ers Postgame Live," with highlights, analysis, interviews and more.