There is arguably no more important position in all of sports than the man behind the center. For the first time in NFL history, four quarterbacks were selected within the first ten picks of the draft this year. But while several teams scrambled to hopefully find their quarterback for the next ten years (that includes the Jets), one team made one of the best moves ever last year to get a quarterback who is already proven to be great.

By giving up their second-round pick to the New England Patriots, the San Francisco 49ers were able to get Jimmy Garoppolo. This is one of the best moves the 49ers could have made. In my opinion, this is the year they return to the playoffs. Even though they didn’t make the playoffs last year, the team finished on a five-game winning streak with Garoppolo as its quarterback. He is so underrated. I am not sure why more teams were not willing to give up a second-round pick to get him.

By getting Garoppolo, the 49ers became a team that free agents were now interested in joining. A lot of people predicted that Richard Sherman would leave the Seattle Seahawks this year. But did people expect the star cornerback to go to the 49ers? Well he did and his impact on the defense should be big. Quarterbacks are scared to throw in his direction. During his career, he has 286 tackles, five fumble recoveries, 32 interceptions and two touchdowns. Sherman might be getting older but he is still amazing.

And now with Garoppolo having a full offseason to prepare with the team, the 49ers can really make a push to make the playoffs. This team went from expecting to have the top pick in the draft to a serious contender, all because of last year’s in-season trade. It looks like the California rivalry between the Rams and 49ers will be something to watch this year.