As prospects go, there are over-comers, solid players, superstars, and, on another level, there are prodigies. Prodigies are players that have it coming out of the womb. Once in a generation athletes that seem to blow us away with not only their ability, but their seemingly passive way of going about their process.
Josh Rosen is a prodigy.
Rosen was the No. 1 prospect coming out of high school in his class. A seemingly flawless prospect with smarts and mental toughness. Rosen quickly became the starter at UCLA as a true freshman and did very little to make you question that move.
He missed most of his sophomore year with a shoulder injury, but came back strong as a junior.
Rosen has a big arm and a quick release. His deep ball accuracy is second to none and he isn’t afraid to throw it. Many have compared Rosen’s ability to throw with range and touch to a high-end NBA shooter.
He has great processing speed and great awareness. He keeps his eyes downfield when working the pocket and does a great job pulling safeties off of relievers.
Rosen does have some negatives. He’s had trouble staying healthy. Rosen hasn’t completed a season since his freshman year and last season spent 32 days in the concussion protocol. He also has a slight frame, which seems to put off teams in colder climates.
Rosen’s off the field antics also worry some. He’s been outspoken about political things and also how the NCAA treats their athletes.
All in all, Rosen is a high Day 1 prospect. His rise or fall on draft day could be the thing that we talk about for years to come.