2018 NFL Draft: Will Questionable 2019 Quarterback Class Cause Panic?
By Jon Dove
The 2018 NFL Draft has several high-profile quarterback prospects and could be more coveted based on the questionable 2019 quarterback class.
We have already seen the New York Jets make an aggressive move in order to put themselves in position to draft a quarterback. The 2018 NFL Draft features at least 4 quarterbacks that many feel will become solid players at the next level.
Most expect Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen, Josh Allen and Baker Mayfield will all be off the board by the end of the 1st round. The only question is how quickly they will be selected. It’s possible that the 2019 NFL Draft could play a role.
At this point last year, this year’s quarterback group was already being talked about as very promising. The 2019 class doesn’t have anyone close to matching the hype that was attached to Darnold, Rosen and Allen.
Missouri’s Drew Lock, Northwestern’s Clayton Thorson, Auburn’s Jarrett Stidham and Michigan’s Shea Patterson sit at the top of the class so far.
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Each of these prospects have plenty of raw talent, but not one has shown enough to be a surefire early-round pick. There’s always a chance that a quarterback will have a dramatic rise and climb to the top of the class.
However, NFL franchises may be hedging their bets a little in this year’s draft. They need to consider what type of talent might be available in the coming years.
A team like the New York Giants might look at next year’s group and decide they need to grab one of the 2018 quarterbacks. They need to find a long-term replacement for Eli Manning and have a chance to a top-flight prospect this year.
The Buffalo Bills are in a similar situation as they weigh making an aggressive move of the draft. They can’t feel great about next year’s options which may force them to do whats necessary to get in position to draft a quarterback this year.
These are the type of questions circling round NFL offices across the league.