"We've been talking about the draft since last year and how we continue to build on that. ESPN has been a partner in that from day one, bringing the fans closer to that event and building that event into one of the most popular events on the sporting calendar, which is incredible if you think back a few decades."
Upton Stout, the 49ers' third-round draft pick, exuberantly celebrated his selection, saying, 'Let's do it!' repeatedly, showcasing his enthusiasm and determination to join the team.
Shedeur Sanders emphasized that he is grateful for the opportunity at this level, stating, "I feel like that it's not in my control, so I'm not going to think about that or even have that in my thought process of why it is." He believes that everyone wants this chance and expresses confidence in his identity and abilities, saying, "I know who I am as a person. I know what I could bring to this team. So, I can never feel less than any circumstance."
Arch Manning, the Texas third-year sophomore, is considered one of the hottest names in college football, yet he has only two starts and hasn't proven himself NFL-ready.
Penix's "athletic arrogance" is a key to both his potential and his success - but it could also be his downfall. Finding the balance is going to be key for the second-year signal caller. When it works, it really impresses, showcasing his ability to make plays under pressure and command the field. However, if not managed well, it could lead to overconfidence and mistakes that undermine his development as a reliable starting quarterback.
While Johnny Newton only managed two sacks in his rookie year, his quickness and disruptive ability in the run game were positively noted, reflecting his potential to impact the defense positively.
The biggest thing that taught me last year is that I learned how to be unselfish. I learned how to put the team over my individual goals and what I wanted to accomplish, and so that's the biggest thing coming here.