Yes, I know, the 2017 NFL Draft is over. For Draft junkies like myself, the college scouting days never end. We are long ways away from 2018 NFL Draft but it’s never too early to get an idea of who to watch heading into the college football season. I want to start this segment off by saying the homework on these prospects is far from over. We will first start with the quarterbacks. The NFL’s most important position continues to change the landscape of the NFL. At an alarming rate, average signal callers are sneaking into the first round. We saw this in the 2017 NFL Draft where Mitch Trubisky was taken 2nd overall who I had a 6th round grade on. Which quarterbacks will steal the show in the 2018 NFL Draft?
- Sam Darnold (USC)
Darnold is the best bet to become the first overall pick at this point. If you’re curious what to make of Darnold, just go watch the Rose Bowl Game, this guy’s special. You know this guy will thrive under pressure which is a big factor in drafting a quarterback. In terms of arm talent, you will find none better than the USC signal caller. Darnold’s ceiling is Aaron Rodgers who is my comp for him. You just don’t find many guys who can let it rip off of any angle like he can. The ability to ad-lib and creates plays off of nothing may be his most Aaron Rodgers esque quality. You love the big time arm strength as Sam just throws darts all over the field.
2. Josh Rosen (UCLA)
In terms of mechanics, Rosen is the quarterback you want. The ceiling for Rosen is Peyton Manning, yes it’s possible. There’s a lot to fall in love with in regards to the UCLA quarterback. Rosen has perfect feet and constantly moves around the pocket to give him the cleanest delivery possible. You love how Rosen can flip his hips and drive the ball off his back foot. It’s no wonder why he’s such a clean passer as Rosen would be playing professional tennis at a high level if it wasn’t for his football ability. It’s always a plus to see a prospect excel at another sport. Coming from UCLA, Rosen’s a really bright signal caller as he knows where to go with the ball. Injury concerns are something to watch moving forward as he only played 6 games last season.
3. Josh Allen (Wyoming)
Allen could be the best of the bunch but there’s a lot to learn here still. Playing at Wyoming means he has played subpar competition for much of his collegiate career. From what I’ve seen thus far, you can see a little Carson Wentz from him as a big-bodied guy who can move well for his size. Allen is the epitome of a gunslinger who doesn’t apologize for trying to fit it into the smallest of windows. This year will make or break Allen’s draft stock.
4. Lamar Jackson (Louisville)
Is he Michael Vick or Teddy Bridgewater? That’s the question we all want to know. Jackson is the reigning Heisman trophy winner but there is still concerns about his ability to throw from the pocket. Scouts fall in love with the athleticism but is it enough to cover up for a lack of arm strength? Jackson will be a fun one to watch this year.
5. Baker Mayfield (Oklahoma)
Is he a knucklehead? Yes, but he has some talent. Mayfield is an undersized guy that moves well in space and often times finds a way to win. Mayfield started out at Texas Tech where Kliff Kingsbury knows his quarterbacks. I don’t love spread quarterbacks but he has big time collegiate numbers and could raise his stock with a strong season at Oklahoma.
