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Winning a Super Bowl is the goal for every NFL team. Over the last five decades, nearly every winning squad has had an elite quarterback leading the way and for a few franchises, any hope of even making the playoffs could depend on what front office makes the right selections in April.
This year's class at quarterback is mixed. Several experts have 3-4 young men projected to hear their name called in the opening round, but as history has shown, not every great offensive leader is taken early in the draft.
WalterFootball is a leading expert in the selection process and has tremendous insight into the professional game. The latest quarterback rankings from the site have UCLA product Josh Rosen as the top-ranked player from behind center, but that doesn't mean the Bruins' star QB will hear his name called first overall. In fact, Rosen has already told the Cleveland Browns he is not interested in playing for the struggling franchise, something that could come back to bite the youngster.
Rosen has all the tools needed to succeed at the next level. His arm strength is above average, his command in the pocket is the best in this year's class, and his ability to read a defense is excellent, but the amount of time he missed due to injury is a concern.
Another Southern California product and second in the ESPN quarterback rankings is USC's Sam Darnold. At 6'4" and 225 pounds, the former Trojans leader has the prototypical size NFL scouts look for in a player. His ability to make big plays with his arm and legs have many believing he is the best bet long-term to have a long and successful career.
The only drawback is Darnold played just two years of college football and that lack of experience could mean a longer time frame until he can lead a team like Cleveland or Denver, but with a tremendous work ethic and a cannon right-arm, the 20-year-old could move to the top of the player rankings with a strong showing next month at the Combine.
Mel Kiper is perhaps the best-known expert when it comes to evaluating college players. In his latest article, the draft wizard has Wyoming senior Josh Allen as the top prospect.
At 6'5" and just over 230 pounds, scouts have been eyeing this young man for the past two years. Allen didn't have a fantastic year for the Cowboys in 2017, but much of that had to do with a veteran group of skilled position players graduating after his junior year.
The 21-year-old has been projected anywhere from the top overall pick, to a late first-round selection. What he does on and off the field at the upcoming NFL Combine will decide where he begins his professional career, but make no mistake, he has all the tools to become a big-time player at the next level.
Every year there's a player that makes such a late-season impression that he moves up the player rankings. This season, Riley Ferguson of Memphis has caught the eye of several GMs from around the league.
The senior led an explosive Tigers offense remarkably, but his skinny frame and durability are major concerns.
There will be a team that takes a shot at Ferguson and with some hard work in the weight room and the right coaching, he could become the next Tom Brady, who had the same concerns from scouts when he came out of Michigan.
