I've been following NFL football for some time now, and through all that observation, you pick up trends and observe how GM's build winners over the years. 

 

In most of the examples through the 80's, 90's and up to today, most teams, and most examples of successful teams usually start by selecting a QB to build around in that first offseason, whether that QB is got via the draft, FA or trade. 

 

Remember the Dallas Cowboys run in the 90's? Troy Aikman was the first pick in their new regime. In Green Bay's 90's run, I think Favre was traded for that first year of Holmgren's regime. Even with the Jags, Brunell was traded for in Coughlin's initial offseason. Even in Belichick's initial draft in New England, he drafted Tom Brady, albeit late. 

 

Now, in recent history, there is a few examples of the QB being selected several years after the core of the team being assembled by the new regime, such as with Russell Wilson. 

 

As we saw, the Jaguars did not select a QB in Caldwell's first draft. Some summize that Caldwell won't force one selected in this draft either, should that value not be there at the selection, or should better value be with another position player that falls to our pick(s). 

 

Which way is better, in your opinion? 

 

My one issue with getting the QB say 3 years into a rebuild is that the example of Russell Wilson can be looked at as unusual - most QB aren't at his level in ability and maturity as a rookie, and a lot of times, a QB will need that 2-3 years of starts before he's really hitting his stride. So, using simple math you could already be into year 5-6 of the rebuild by the time said QB is "superbowl caliber". By that time, you could already be faced with injury/ departure/ decline to some of the core. When you get the QB in year 1 of a rebuild, usually by year 3, the QB which has developed along with the core, is ready to make a serious run. Theres a synergy there. 

 

Its an interesting examination of which way is right. Perhaps theres no wrong answer, and perhaps there is. 

 

Discuss. 

---