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Iowa football: CJ Beathard in danger of losing job in San Francisco

By Andrew Wade

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 28: Quarterback C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers throws under pressure from defensive end Markus Golden #44 of the Arizona Cardinals on the final play of the fourth quarter at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 28: Quarterback C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers throws under pressure from defensive end Markus Golden #44 of the Arizona Cardinals on the final play of the fourth quarter at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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Former Iowa football player CJ Beathard is entering his third season in San Francisco, but will he survive a camp battle with 2nd year QB Nick Mullens?

Anyone who believes former Iowa football quarterback CJ Beathard actually should have been drafted in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft is living in a fantasy world. In his senior season with the Hawkeyes, he threw for just 1,929 yards while completing under 57% of his passes for the 8-5 Iowa football team.

Going into his senior season, there were quite a bit of high hopes, but injuries and ineffectiveness at the wide receiver position derailed his final year in Iowa City. However, with Kyle Shannahan and John Lynch calling the shots in San Francisco, Beathard managed to go on day two of the NFL Draft, which is important to note.

As Beathard heads into his third season with the San Francisco 49ers, he will be battling former undrafted free agent Nick Mullens for the number two spot, and in today’s NFL, many NFL teams don’t carry three quarterbacks on the active roster. This means, Beathard is firmly on the hot seat, but with the status of being a third-round draft pick, it could help his case.

Last season, however, wasn’t pretty for Beathard. Despite showing flashing here and there, an injury provided an opportunity for Mullens to seize the starting spot, and he did.

In five games, Beathard threw for 1,252 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions but posted a QBR of just 39.7. What’s more concerning is in nine career starts, Beathard has posted just a 1-8 record.

Mullens, meanwhile, chucked the ball around to the tune of 2,277 yards and 13 touchdowns, which was good enough for a 56.2 QBR. More importantly, in his 8 games started, he was 3-5.

Heading into the third year of his NFL career, will the Iowa football player be able to beat out the Southern Miss player?

Maybe, but at this point, I don’t feel it’s likely. Mullens potential is too exciting and the 49ers already have Jimmy G entrenched as the starter. Carrying a 3rd quarterback doesn’t make sense, and I believe Shannahan has the confidence to be fine carrying a quarterback such as UDFA Wilton Speight on the practice squad so he has someone who is familiar with his offense.

The one advantage Beathard has is Shannahan’s offense can be tough to pick up and Beathard is in his third season so he has that knowledge.

Next. Three Hawks on CFB HOF ballot. dark

Projection: Beathard will be cut at the end of training camp and be picked up by another NFL team where he will be the 2nd or 3rd backup.