2018 NFL Mock Draft: Early June Edition

Dec 21, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Wyoming Cowboys quarterback Josh Allen (17) looks to pass during the third quarteragainst the Brigham Young Cougars at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Wyoming Cowboys quarterback Josh Allen (17) looks to pass during the third quarteragainst the Brigham Young Cougars at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
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January 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second half of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
January 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second half of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

2. San Francisco 49ers- Sam Darnold, QB, USC

Sam Darnold is squarely in the mix to be the first player selected in the 2018 NFL Draft. He will be battling several players throughout the year to see who comes out on top. His combination of poise and arm talent makes him a truly elite prospect.

He is coming off a remarkable first season where he helped turn around a struggling USC team. Darnold showed the ability to deliver an accurate football, make sound decision and produce big plays. He showed rare ability for someone with such little experience.

Related Story: Sam Darnold Scouting Report

The San Francisco 49ers are in desperate need of some direction at the quarterback position. They decided against taking a quarterback with the No. 2 pick in the 2017 draft which puts pressure on them to make a move next year.

Darnold would represent a great option for Kyle Shanahan to mold into a franchise quarterback. The fact that he has experience in a pro-style system and shows a lot of poise means Darnold could see the field early.

Adding Darnold to the mix is the type of move that would rapidly accelerate the 49ers rebuild. If he’s off the board than the 49ers would have to consider Josh Allen or Josh Rosen.