Ashton Rich's Top 5 QBS
Many teams in this years NFL draft need a quarterback. As always there are only so many to go around though. Teams picking in the back half of the draft that need a quarterback will likely have to trade up to acquire one. This will serve as a quick guide to my top 5 quarterbacks in the draft.
1. Josh Rosen, UCLA, 6-3 210
Rosen is the best quarterback in this draft in my opinion. His mechanics are flawless, and he throws with timing and anticipation while taking hits. The scheme he ran at UCLA asked him to read defenses and make NFL caliber throws regularly. The only concerns with Rosen are his health (multiple injuries including concussions and shoulder surgery last year) and his arrogance. Make no mistake Josh Rosen is how he is, scouts love him because of his tools but coaches will hate him because he thinks he is smarter than they are. Still a quarterback being this polished out of college is astounding.
Pro Comparison: Matt Ryan
2. Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma, 6-0 210
Too Small. Bad Attitude. Easy Conference. Scheme. All of these are things that people use to detract from Baker Mayfield. When you look at his play and numbers for what they are he was nothing short of exceptional. He has the 1st and 2nd most efficient passing seasons in CFB history as well as an adjusted completion percentage of 84 percent. Yes 84 percent. That is an unreal number, literally videogame numbers. After walking on and winning the starting job twice his passion and drive cannot be questioned. A year behind an NFL vet (like Drew Brees or Philip Rivers) could lead to Baker being a longtime starter in this league.
Pro Comparison: Drew Brees
3. Sam Darnold, USC, 6-4 225
Sam Darnold is a great prospect. Todd Mcshay and Mel Kiper both have this guy as a top-10 pick. Personally I have him as my third best quarterback because of the drop-off in efficiency and consistency of play in 2017. When he took over in 2016, it gave the Trojans a shot in the arm and led all the way to one of the most exciting Rose Bowls ever in which the Trojans were victorious 52-49. Darnold was exceptional and he was the most highly touted QB for the 2017 season. After posting 31-9 TD-Int in 2016 he fell off to 26-13. If Darnold can regain his form from 2016 his creativity and extension of plays can make him the best quarterback in this draft class.
Pro Comparison: Ben Roethlisberger
4. Josh Allen, Wyoming, 6-5 230
This guy is a freak. At 6-5 230 he is the second best athlete at quarterback in this draft. His ball speed has been clocked at 66 mph. Which is equivalent to a 110+ fastball in baseball. Watching this guy on film its obvious he is a Jekyll and Hyde. On one down he makes an impossible throw, on the next play he misses the receiver by 10 yards. He is still the only quarterback I’ve ever seen rollout right out of the pocket and throw a 60-yard bomb on the run off his back foot. Undoubtedly the best natural arm I have ever witnessed. The thing with Allen is that he is somewhat fast as well. He moves extremely well for a guy his size. If Allen can get to the right team (not Cleveland sorry Browns fans) where he can develop for a year he could be the ultimate modern quarterback.
Pro Comparison: Cam Newton
5. Lamar Jackson, Louisville, 6-2 205
How the NFL views Lamar Jackson will ultimately be on a team-to-team basis. Some will evaluate him as another RGIII, but those smart enough to see the potential he has could be rewarded in two to three years after this April. Jackson is the best runner out of all the QBs in this draft and while many knock his accuracy it’s not because he can’t play, it’s because he plays with subpar mechanics. His arm is a rocket not of Darnold or Allen proportions, but he can sling it. The term ultimate weapon was used in reference to Randall Cunningham for the Eagles in the late 1980s and Lamar Jackson could take that mantle from him. If Jackson can manage to wander the path that so many before him fell off (RGIII, Michael Vick, Tyrod Taylor) he can become what Cam Newton from 2015 was.
Pro Comparison: Michael Vick
