The 2017 NFL Draft saw three quarterbacks go in the first round, even with uncertainty surrounding most of them. Even before the draft happened, there was already discussion about the value of quarterbacks in the 2018 class. Wyoming’s Josh Allen, USC’s Sam Darnold, and UCLA’s Josh Rosen are viewed as the cream of a very impressive crop.
There is plenty of uncertainty when considering quarterbacks a year out. Guys like Mitchell Trubisky and Patrick Mahomes were not on most people’s radars at this point last year, and they were the top two quarterbacks taken. But it won’t stop the assessments of the projected top quarterbacks. Odds are pretty good this trio could change, but for now, this is who a lot of people see as the top options.
The New York Jets have made it pretty clear they are tanking for the No. 1 pick, but there could still be some competition for that top pick. The Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers are among the teams getting decent odds at the No. 1 overall pick, but even if a team does not land the No. 1 pick, there is a good chance they can land a potentially solid quarterback next year.
Recently, MMQB’s Albert Breer spoke with some AFC front office personnel to get some thoughts on the three quarterbacks. One AFC executive broke the three of them down as follows:
Allen: “He has the best traits of the three—size, athletics, arm strength. He’s just raw. Picture a better version of Patrick Mahomes.”
Darnold: “He’s accurate, and he’s only 19 years old, so you hope he’s going to get stronger. Everyone’s going to pick apart his throwing motion, but there’s not a lot he can’t do.”
Rosen: “He’s the prettiest—gorgeous, just gorgeous. He has to find a way to prove he’s a good kid and can stay healthy and has a passion for the game. He has everything else.”
He also spoke with an AFC college scouting director, who offered this up
An AFC college scouting director, when assessing the three, said he likes Darnold the best of them: “He was impressive when he took over, he’s got the size, arm talent and tools that you want in a pocket passer.” He also acknowledged Allen probably has the highest ceiling.
Finally, Breer’s contacts think Rosen looks the most natural where, “Every ball spins beautifully,” according to one coach.
Who is your choice if you had to pick a quarterback at the top of the 2018 NFL Draft?
Poll
If you had to pick one, which QB would you prefer in the 2018 NFL Draft?
This poll is closed
-
31%
Josh Allen
(358 votes) -
41%
Sam Darnold
(478 votes) -
21%
Josh Rosen
(241 votes) -
5%
Other (specify in comments)
(64 votes)