The 2018 NFL Draft is today and one of the first names that could be called is former UCLA football QB Josh Rosen who is being herald as not just one of the top signal callers in the draft, but one of the top players.
The 2018 NFL Draft is going to be one for the ages, mostly because of the quality of players that have entered. What makes it even more exciting is how many quarterbacks are projected to go, not just in all seven rounds, but in the first round alone. One of those is UCLA football‘s Josh Rosen.
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Rosen has been a player that is under the microscope. Not only has he been applauded for his performance on the field, which many have dubbed him “the most NFL ready” QB in the draft, but he has also been scrutinized for his behavior off the field.
Whether you think he is too brash, political, conceited or any of the numerous knocks NFL Draft analysts have given him, you cannot ignore how fantastic he is on the field.
Josh Rosen/QB/6-4/226 lbs.
2018 stats: 283/452 (62.6% comp.)/3,756 yards/26 TD/147.0 QBR
Positives
“NFL ready” is a loaded term, but one that perfectly describes Rosen. When scouts are looking for their future leader, there is a lot to examine with the former Bruin. So where do we begin?
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Let us start with his mechanics. Whenever he steps under center, he is all business. From his statuesque form receiving the snap, to his footwork, to holding the ball close to his body before release to his gorgeous throwing motion, Rosen is what quarterbacks aspire to be.
Then when it is time to get the ball down the field, one thing that is noticeable is how he does not lock onto his first receiver, but looks for the second, third and fourth options.
Once he has his man, he squares up for the pass and can fire the ball down field with his powerful arm and deadly accuracy which helps him fit the football into a window slightly bigger than the football itself. He can also launch the ball halfway down the field when necessary.
On top of that, he is one tough customer. He is able to take a shot, which means he is tough as nails and one of the fiercest competitors in this year’s draft.
Negatives
In regards to taking shots, he has been injured because of it. Now it could be said that it was due to a less than optimal offensive line, but the fact remains that he missed more than half a season because of it. Two concussions and a shoulder injury are serious and though the injuries are not chronic, the same results might occur if he finds himself behind a less than stellar line in the pros. In addition to that, if things do not go his way, he tries to do a little more than he should and be the hero. Though he is dedicated to the game, he needs to rely on others to make plays.
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Projection
Rosen can go #1 or he could fall to the middle of the first round. The opinions that are floating around about Rosen are clearly affecting the decisions of NFL teams. Will they avoid him because of his perceived attitude or do they go after him early because he is a proven baller? Either way, we should hear his name somewhere between pick #1 and #15.