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Bill Walsh modernized the way many teams view the draft.

He changed the way people grade draft prospects, how they’re discussed, and put a premium on scouting the mental capabilities of players as well as their physical attributes. But one of his theories — the need to draft quarterbacks nearly every year — remains up for debate.

What the former San Francisco 49ers coach understood before most other teams is how valuable quarterbacks truly are. The truly great ones are rare commodities, and the position is difficult to draft and develop. He knew the position couldn’t be viewed and graded the same as others.

Unlike running back, wide receiver, or linebacker, a weakness at quarterback cannot be hidden or schemed around. You either have the right guy for your system or you don’t. Realizing this, Walsh selected a quarterback during his first four seasons at the helm — including three more after nabbing Joe Montana in the third round of the 1979 draft.

While it might be overkill to constantly be looking for quarterbacks — Walsh continued to draft quarterbacks nearly every other year even after Montana began emerging as one of the greatest of all time — there’s merit to the strategy.


Read more: The Quarterback Debate: When should teams start looking for next franchise quarterback? | Saints | The Advocate — Baton Rouge, Louisiana

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Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege.

All little common sense goes a long way.