Quarterback is the most scrutinized position in professional sports. This is particularly true for many incoming rookies who shoulder the burden of becoming the face of a franchise.
First-round quarterbacks are treated as saviors.
The NFL consists of haves and have-nots. Either a team has its franchise quarterback or it doesn't. If it doesn't, the team can't compete on a consistent basis. Thus, Super Bowl or even playoff aspirations are fleeting.
The root of a franchise's struggles usually starts at the game's most important position. So, an investment in a quarterback isn't a small step; it's a massive leap of faith.