Niner Noise
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Which 49ers legend would you want on the current roster?

By Akshaj Dwivedula

17 Dec 2000: Jerry Rice #80 of the San Francisco 49ers is defended by Jerry Azumah of the Chicago Bears during their game at 3Comm Park in San Francisco, California. San Francisco went on to win 17-0. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn/ALLSPORT
17 Dec 2000: Jerry Rice #80 of the San Francisco 49ers is defended by Jerry Azumah of the Chicago Bears during their game at 3Comm Park in San Francisco, California. San Francisco went on to win 17-0. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn/ALLSPORT /
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Joe Montana #16, back up Quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers during the National Football Conference West Divisional Championship game against the Washington Redskins on 9 January 1993 at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California, United States. The 49ers won the game 20 – 13. (Photo by Otto Gruele Jr/Allsport/Getty Images) /

Quarterback: Joe Montana

I know before I even begin to explain how Montana would fit into the roster, people will get upset over this because I didn’t put Steve Young. So allow me to explain.

Joe Montana ran Bill Walsh’s West Coast offense perfectly, his timing and execution exactly what the system required. While it could be argued Young had more natural talent in terms of arm strength and athletic ability, Montana was ruthlessly efficient.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan’s system does not necessarily need the most physically gifted quarterback. C.J. Beathard has a stronger arm than Nick Mullens does, yet Mullens clearly outplayed Beathard last year. Mullens was efficient, and for the most part, he thought quickly and made the right decisions.

Montana, in one revolutionary system under Walsh, practically ravaged the NFL for a decade. Imagine Montana with another revolutionary genius.

It would be glorious.

The only problem with Montana is that quarterback isn’t the biggest concern for the 49ers. Jimmy Garoppolo has had his struggles, yes, but he has shown considerable flashes, too. By choosing Montana, you have to hope the offense reaches a level we haven’t yet seen.