2018 NFL Draft prediction: New York Jets will select QB Josh Rosen
The 2018 NFL Draft is almost here. I predict the New York Jets will select UCLA QB Josh Rosen with the third overall pick.
The New York Jets will make one of the most important decisions in team history when they select their future franchise quarterback in the 2018 NFL Draft. They own the third overall selection. Which signal-caller will don the green and white?
It’s time to finally find out. We know all the names very well by now — Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen, Josh Allen and Baker Mayfield. All are quality NFL prospects. None of them are perfect.
This selection will define general manager Mike Maccagnan. He needs to get the right guy or it could cost him his job. Not too much pressure, right?
I believe Darnold is the best quarterback of that group and will be drafted by the Cleveland Browns with the first overall pick. The New York Giants will then tab halfback Saquon Barkley with pick No. 2. That leaves Gang Green to choose between Rosen, Allen and Mayfield. A very tough decision indeed. One that will shape the future of the club for many seasons to come. I think Maccagnan will take a deep breath and choose UCLA’s Rosen. Here’s why.
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The 6-4, 226-pounder has the best throwing mechanics and fluidity of any prospect in the draft. He ranked second in the nation with 341.5 passing yards per game for the Bruins last year and tossed 26 touchdown passes with 10 interceptions. Rosen also completed 62.6 percent of his passes. A former tennis prodigy, Rosen’s footwork and balance are elite and he can deliver any throw from the pocket with precision and timing.
Former NFL quarterback David Carr had high praise for Rosen via NFL.com:
"He’s the most pro-ready quarterback in this draft class, and I believe Rosen could win a starting job in a lot of places due to his football IQ and physical ability. I’ve had conversations with him, and he reminds me of Eli Manning, who I’ve said countless times is the smartest player I’ve ever been around."
The Manhattan Beach, CA native has some experience snapping the ball from under center which is important on the pro level. Not all of the top prospects can say that. Rosen also has poise in the face of the blitz and throws the ball well in roll-out scenarios. He’s known for being a highly intelligent player but there are concerns about his character. How coachable is he? Can he galvanize a team? Can Rosen be a mature leader on and off the gridiron?
Rosen has had durability issues as well. He suffered a pair of concussions during his junior campaign in 2017. He’s healthy now but is another concussion looming on the horizon after a hard hit or tackle? That’s a legitimate question.
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In a perfect world, Darnold will drop on Maccagnan’s lap in the first round. I am not expecting that to happen though. All of these elite quarterback prospects have warts of some kind. All have their strengths and weaknesses. However, when the smoke finally clears and the card is handed to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, I believe Rosen will be a New York Jet.
Maccganan better get this one right.