Four quarterbacks went in the first 10 picks of the 2018 NFL Draft. Despite being the last one selected, Josh Rosen will play the most games this season.
In April, we witnessed four underdeveloped and raw quarterback prospects get selected within the first 10 picks of the 2018 NFL Draft. None of those players were worth the value of the pick they were taken at.
It is slowly starting to become clear what pushed the demand for quarterbacks, was a lack of supply of any talent in 2019 class.
Of this crop of unprepared rookies stands one outspoken, blonde-haired young man from the state of California. I am, of course, referring to the 10th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft: Josh Rosen.
Rosen might have been the biggest enigma in this quarterback class. He’s an adept and quick learner who could have the football IQ of Peyton Manning. He also has a fluid touch with the football, and the strong capability to read and understand defensive schemes at a young age.
Conversely, analysts such as Will Cain of ESPN criticized Rosen for sounding like a, “Spoiled brat,” who oftentimes acts pompously. Additionally, he sustained multiple concussions at UCLA, and can find himself done with his NFL career early if they continue.
For all of these reasons, no team knew what they were getting from Rosen. Is he a guy who causes locker room drama? Or is he a leader that can spark a squad within the next few seasons?
The Arizona Cardinals decided to take on the risk of investing in Rosen.
Regardless of their free agency additions of Sam Bradford and Mike Glennon, Rosen will be the favorite to start the most games. Bradford hasn’t played a full season since 2012. Glennon, on the other hand, is a career backup.
There’s a strong likelihood that he’ll be cut or traded before the start of the season to a team that needs a placeholder quarterback.
If Bradford goes down, that will be the instance that the Cardinals will be willing to throw Rosen into the mix. At a point in which the season is likely lost will be the perfect timing to see what they have in their young gunslinger.
Bleacher Report predicts 10 starts out of Rosen, but there’s a stronger likelihood of him hitting the field in the six-to-eight game range.
Ultimately, Arizona will be incredibly comfortable starting Rosen. His strongest attribute was his capability to play right away. Rosen has even garnered praise from teammates for his mental maturity and knowledge of the game.
The best situational comparison for Rosen is that of Matt Leinart in 2006. Leinart was drafted with Kurt Warner still on the team, and recorded 11 starts during his rookie season due to the circumstances.
The ride that season for Leinart was very bumpy, and especially for the rest of his career. His rookie season was arguably his only good season.
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Josh Rosen projects more favorably to succeed during his rookie year. While Rosen settles in, David Johnson will take a lot of pressure off of him. He has even been blessed with the hands of Larry Fitzgerald to bail him out in bad situations.
The largest cause for concern is their offensive line. This unit managed to finish second-to-last with 123 quarterback hits allowed.
A realistic statistical output with these variables will be 1,750 passing yards,12 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Ultimately, his success will weigh on how well he’s protected by his teammates.