Bill Walsh : Indy times, test and how I evaluate them

I found this old article Coach Walsh wrote on how he evaluates talent at the draft. I'm not sure if this has ever been posted but it's a great read!

'A player's speed in the 40 doesn't really tell you how fast he is in a game. His vertical jump may only reveal he is out of shape. And even the intelligence test may have little to do with innate instincts that make him a virtual genius on the field.

Still, there is value in this process, if you know how to utilize the results.

The key thing to remember is that functionality is the most important evaluation of a player's ability to perform. No matter how fast he runs, how high he jumps or how well he scores on a test, his value can only be related to how functional he is on the field. And that is often something that cannot be precisely measured anyplace except on the practice field or, in some cases, in a game situation.

Many people may be surprised to find out that the most important test is not one that has a precise mark, but rather one that is evaluated with a great deal of subjectivity.

That test is the personal interview. It seems ironic that, after going through all these intricate procedures, we often reach our final judgment on a player based on a good, old fashioned face to face discussion.'

http://www.sportsxchange.com/DS97/walsh/walsh3.htm

Its been posted

http://www.49erswebzone.com/forum/niners/158032-official-bill-walsh-thread/page18/

Originally posted by Jcool:
Its been posted

http://www.49erswebzone.com/forum/niners/158032-official-bill-walsh-thread/page18/

Ah! Thanks Jcool!