2018 NFL Draft: Predicting Destinations for Every Drafted Quarterback

Quarterbacks drive the NFL, which explains why they're often the first players selected in the draft each year.

The Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans didn't wait for their favorite quarterback prospects to fall into their laps. All four of those teams traded up to acquire their respective starters in the last two drafts. 

The draft is the lifeblood of the have-nots in need of a franchise signal-caller. 

Five teams—the Arizona Cardinals, Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos and New York Jets—are searching for their next franchise quarterbacks. Five more—the Los Angeles Chargers, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers—need to find an heir apparent to their aging starters. Several more require depth beyond established starters. 

On average, teams selected 12 quarterback prospects in each of the last 10 drafts. In this year's class, upward of 13 quarterbacks could be chosen, six of whom may go in the first round.

An ideal fit exists for each of these prospects, starting with the Browns and the No. 1 overall pick.

Sam Darnold: Cleveland Browns

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The Cleveland Browns are searching for more than a franchise quarterback. They're searching for a savior after years of awful quarterback play. 

Whoever Cleveland drafts with the No. 1 overall pick will be under immense pressure to turn the franchise around. It's imperative that said signal-caller can handle the mental demands of those expectations as much as the physical requirements.

"Because of fit, I would take Sam Darnold if I were the Cleveland Browns," Jim Mora, who coached fellow top prospect Josh Rosen, said on NFL Network's Path to the Draft. "I think his teammates will love him. I think the city will love him. He'll say the right things. He'll come in and represent well. I think he kind of represents what Cleveland is."

Darnold has the tools to be the top overall pick. The 6'3", 220-pound quarterback has issues with footwork and turnovers, yet he regularly makes NFL-caliber throws, particularly when working off-platform. In a league where a signal-caller must master a muddy pocket, Darnold is the best in the class. 

Darnold may not be the NFL equivalent of LeBron James, but he's a worthy option at No. 1 nevertheless. 

Draft Range: No. 1 overall pick

Josh Allen: Buffalo Bills

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The Buffalo Bills must make a move to land a top quarterback prospect.

They already positioned themselves to acquire a top-five selection after trading left tackle Cordy Glenn and the 21st overall pick to the Cincinnati Bengals for the 12th selection. They'll need to take another drastic leap to acquire one of the top four options, whether via a trade with Cleveland for the No. 4 pick or the New York Giants for No. 2 overall.

Wherever Buffalo ultimately lands, Wyoming's Josh Allen will be a strong possibility.

Allen's 6'5", 233-pound frame and unbelievable arm strength has scouts drooling over his potential. But his career 56.2 percent completion rate raises concern, especially since poor technique helped fuel that.

"He's cleaned up his footwork," Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl said after the school's pro day, per the Casper Star Tribune's Brandon Foster. "Some of the throws that I thought were a little bit errant during the course of the season—and we had talked about that—I think he's really cleaned those things up."

The Bills signed a stopgap in AJ McCarron if they want to slowly develop their incoming quarterback. Plus, Allen has already endeared himself to Buffalo's fanbase. 

"Man, I love Bills Mafia," the quarterback told ESPN's Kevin Connors.

Draft Range: Top-three selection

Josh Rosen: New York Jets

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UCLA's Josh Rosen is the most polished and natural quarterback among the incoming crop. However, three teams—the Browns, Giants and Bills (in a trade-up situation)—could pass on him. 

After trading up to land their franchise quarterback, the New York Jets shouldn't do the same if Rosen is available at No. 3 overall.

Darnold and Allen may have higher long-term upside, but the Jets know exactly what they'll get in Rosen. He touts an advanced understanding of pro-style concepts and has experience throwing a full route tree.  

Being a tremendous pocket passer doesn't seem to be enough, though. Rosen has been forced to answer questions about his attitude, dedication and outside interests throughout the predraft process. 

"Rosen helped his cause this weekend [at the NFL combine], both as a thrower of the football and in getting his point across that being well-rounded and smart is not poisonous to a football team," The MMQB's Peter King wrote following the combine.

Fair or not, Rosen's personality may clash with football lifers searching for those engrossed in the game. But other teams' loss can turn into the Jets' gain. 

The Jets' 2018 campaign hinges on 38-year-old journeyman Josh McCown, who will enter training camp as the team's starter, and Teddy Bridgewater, who hasn't played a meaningful snap since 2015. Rosen could start from Day 1 in New York, as opposed to the other top options in this year's class. 

Draft Range: Top-five selection

Baker Mayfield: Denver Broncos

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Baker Mayfield is an outlier who makes NFL decision-makers uncomfortable. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner is also a damn good quarterback with top-five potential despite his supposed shortcomings. 

Fixating on Mayfield's 6'0" stature overlooks his accuracy, not only statistically (68.6 career completion percentage) but in terms of his ball placement as well. The two-time Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year throws with anticipation and leads his receivers, allowing them to create more yards after the catch. 

Concerns arise regarding Mayfield's personality. However, those potential problem areas don't appear to be an issue regarding his on-field temperament. 

"He's very competitive on the football field," Cleveland Browns general manager John Dorsey said of Mayfield, per Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot. "His teammates absolutely love him. Everybody in the support organization of Oklahoma loves him. He's got a degree of humility in his person.''

If Mayfield were two inches taller, he would be the No. 1 overall pick sight unseen. The Denver Broncos, whose coaching staff worked with him at the Senior Bowl, shouldn't mind that he isn't. 

General manager John Elway already signed Case Keenum in free agency to be the Broncos' starting signal-caller. The veteran will work on a two-year deal while he sets the table for his potential replacement. 

Draft Range: Top-10 selection

Lamar Jackson: Arizona Cardinals

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Louisville's Lamar Jackson is the most divisive prospect to place among the incoming quarterbacks, in no small part because some teams have asked him to work out as a wide receiver, according to Peter Schrager of NFL Network.

On the surface, Jackson's outstanding production and play over the last two seasons should place him among the best available quarterback options. However, his development as a passer isn't considered on par with Darnold, Rosen, Mayfield or Allen.

That's ludicrous. 

While Jackson needs to improve his footwork and overall consistency, he still attempted more passes over the past two seasons than all but one of those aforementioned prospects, throwing for 7,203 yards and 57 touchdowns. Louisville head coach Bobby Petrino sprinkled pro-style elements into his offense to take advantage of Jackson's unreal athleticism.

"I can't remember a faster guy lining up at the quarterback position other than myself," 2001 No. 1 overall pick Michael Vick told Bleacher Report's Master Tesfatsion. "... He just does things that you just don't see or haven't seen in a long time."

The Arizona Cardinals own the 15th overall pick. Unless the organization decides to make a bold move, Darnold, Allen, Rosen and Mayfield will be off the board. Jackson is no consolation prize, though. 

The Cardinals can't rely upon either Sam Bradford nor Mike Glennon for more than a few games. Jackson is far different stylistically than either of those veterans, but that shouldn't be viewed as a negative.

Draft Range: First-round selection

Mason Rudolph: New York Giants

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The 2018 draft truly begins with the Giants at No. 2 overall since the Browns are expected to take a quarterback with the first selection. 

Giants general manager Dave Gettleman has plenty of available options. New York can stand pat and select its quarterback of the future. Conversely, the front office might prioritize one of the position players. The team could always trade down, too.

Standing pat and taking a quarterback would be the logical route, but the Giants organization appears intent on squeezing every last year out of Eli Manning's career. Since New York only has six picks, it may prefer to trade down to pick up more assets and draft a quarterback later. 

Mason Rudolph is an oft-overlooked prospect even after leaving Oklahoma State as the program's all-time leading passer with 13,267 yards and 90 touchdowns. The four-year starter is the class' best pure deep passer due to tremendous downfield timing and touch. 

"I've never been a talked-about guy—since high school," Rudolph told John E. Hoover of Sporting News. "... I was never highly recruited. I had a few offers, and ended up outlasting a whole lot of other high-profile players, you know, played a lot better than them and had a lot better career. So that’s what I plan to do again at the next level.."

The Giants are well-positioned to snatch Rudolph at No. 34 and have their future franchise quarterback without using the No. 2 overall pick on him

Draft Range: Late first- or early second-round selection

Kyle Lauletta: New England Patriots

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Richmond's Kyle Lauletta was born to play for Bill Belichick. 

Lauletta's father and uncle went to the Naval Academy and played football when Belichick's father, Steve, was still on the staff. He double majored in business administration and leadership. Lauletta's teammates named him a team captain twice. And he nearly went to college to play lacrosse before choosing football. 

Each of these of these qualities is near and dear to the New England Patriots head coach's heart. 

Meanwhile, the organization is searching for the next Jimmy Garoppolo after trading the 2014 second-round pick to the San Francisco 49ers ahead of last year's trade deadline. 

"Jimmy Garoppolo, an FCS guy, a guy I've been compared to a few times throughout the process," Lauletta said, per CBS Sports' Will Brinson. "He's a great guy to be compared to; he's doing really, really well. That whole system they have, the success speaks for itself."

Like Garoppolo, Lauletta touts a quick release, which helped him leave Richmond as the program's all-time leader with 10,465 passing yards and 73 touchdowns. 

Tom Brady turns 41 in August. New England currently lacks a long-term quarterback plan behind him. Thus, drafting Lauletta makes all too much sense for the Patriots.

Draft Range: Late second-round pick

Luke Falk: Miami Dolphins

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The Miami Dolphins are far from settled at quarterback even with Ryan Tannehill and Brock Osweiler on board. Former Dolphins center Mike Pouncey alluded to as much after he signed with the Los Angeles Chargers this offseason.

"No disrespect to any of the guys in Miami," Pouncey said, per Ricky Henne of the Chargers official site. "I enjoyed my career there for seven years with the Miami Dolphins, but to be able to play with an elite guy like [Philip Rivers] and a Hall of Fame quarterback is something I always dreamed of in my life. I can't wait."

Washington State's Luke Falk is reportedly of particular interest to the Dolphins. A Miami contingent met with him on his pro day and "will attend a session with him" Wednesday, according to the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson.

Falk is the Pac-12's all-time leading passer with 14,481 career yards. The 2017 Burlsworth Trophy winner (as the most outstanding FBS player who began his career as a walk-on) is a rhythm passer with top-notch anticipatory skills. However, he becomes rattled when pressured and doesn't have the arm strength to compensate. 

"I'd love to add a quarterback just like everybody, but we'll get the right guy for us," Gase said in reference to drafting a quarterback, per the Sun Sentinel's Omar Kelly. 

Draft Range: Second- or third-round selection

Mike White: New Orleans Saints

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Life after Drew Brees will be difficult for the New Orleans Saints one day, but the organization must prepare for it. The 39-year-old signed a new two-year contract this offseason, but it may ultimately amount to being a one-year fix since his salary-cap hit balloons to $33.5 million in 2019. 

Beyond Brees, the Saints' current quarterback room is comprised of Tom Savage and Taysom Hill, neither of whom profile as long-term options. 

Since the Saints don't own a second-round selection due to last year's draft-day trade with the San Francisco 49ers to select Alvin Kamara, they'll either pull the trigger early for a preferred quarterback or wait until the third round. 

While prospects with starting potential will be difficult to find beyond Round 2, Western Kentucky's Mike White is one of the few options with enough ability to groom as Brees' eventual replacement. In two seasons with the Hilltoppers, White threw for 8,540 yards and 63 touchdowns. 

The 6'4", 225-pound signal-caller is a pure passer with excellent arm talent. However, he struggles when facing pressure and working off-platform. 

"Whether it's deep passes or fitting it in a tight window or throwing with anticipation, I think as far as throwing the ball, I'm one of the best in this class," White said, per the Louisville Courier Journal's Gentry Estes.

Draft Range: Third-round selection

Chase Litton: Washington Redskins

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The Washington Redskins are "without a doubt" better at quarterback with Alex Smith instead of Kirk Cousins, according to head coach Jay Gruden (via NFL Network's Ian Rapoport). 

After trading for Smith and signing him to a four-year, $94 million extension, quarterback isn't an immediate priority for Washington. However, the team could use more depth and a younger backup option than Colt McCoy, as Smith turns 34 in May.

Marshall's Chase Litton is a tantalizing prospect due to his combination of size and raw arm talent. According to Draft Analyst's Tony Pauline, Litton is receiving "a lot of interest" from four teams, including Washington. 

At 6'6" and 232 pounds, Litton's physical tools are obvious. He completed 60.7 percent of his passes for 8,332 yards, 72 touchdowns and 31 interceptions in three seasons as the Thundering Herd's starting quarterback. Litton is tough in the pocket and willing to take hits, but his decision-making is questionable. 

Washington would be wise to spend a middle-round pick on a quarterback with upside for Smith to mentor, and Litton fits that bill.

Draft Range: Fourth- or fifth-round selection

Kurt Benkert: Jacksonville Jaguars

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The Jacksonville Jaguars are a wild card among this year's quarterback suitors after agreeing to a three-year, $54 million contract extension with Blake Bortles. That recommitment may have taken them out of the running for a top prospect, but they still need to find a backup to Bortles after veteran Chad Henne departed for the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency.

Virginia's Kurt Benkert is a tantalizing prospect because he makes throws deserving of first-round status, yet his accuracy can fade on a series-by-series basis. Like most big-armed quarterbacks, Benkert is a little too confident in the type of throws he can make. 

"There is almost no in-between with him," an anonymous NFC scout told NFL.com's Lance Zierlein. "It's either a big-armed throw that whistles in there between defenders or it's something stupid that turns into an interception or near interception. I love the arm, but I don't know that I would ever trust him to play and everybody you draft might play."

Jaguars general manager David Caldwell can address two problems with one draft pick. Benkert can serve as Bortles' backup for the time being and provide Jacksonville with a possible replacement if the 2014 No. 3 pick doesn't improve in the coming seasons.

Draft Range: Fifth- or sixth-round selection

Riley Ferguson: Pittsburgh Steelers

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Riley Ferguson became Paxton Lynch's heir apparent at Memphis after the Denver Broncos selected the latter 26th overall in 2016. As a result, Ferguson will face some of the same issues that have plagued Lynch since his arrival in the NFL. 

In college, both players relied heavily on run-pass options and half-field reads. That prevents quarterbacks from developing an understanding of full-field reads to speed up their eyes for professional progressions. 

The efficiency and tempo in which the Tigers offense operates makes it difficult to defend. The 6'4", 210-pound Ferguson threw for 7,955 yards and 70 touchdowns with only 19 interceptions in the last two seasons, but he's considered a late-round prospect because he lacks polish.

With the 36-year-old Ben Roethlisberger expected to play a few more seasons, the Pittsburgh Steelers are in a position to spend a late-round pick on a rough-around-the-edges prospect. According to ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler, Pittsburgh's staff is expected to attend Ferguson's April 6 pro day. 

Between Ferguson and 2017 holdover Joshua Dobbs, the Steelers would have a pair of young signal-callers to groom behind Big Ben since Landry Jones is a free agent after the 2018 campaign. 

Draft Range: Sixth- or seventh-round selection

Logan Woodside: Cincinnati Bengals

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Toledo's Logan Woodside has never been the biggest, fastest or most athletic quarterback. However, his 45 touchdown passes led the FBS in 2016.  

"He has been self-made in a lot of ways, by great determination and grit,"  Toledo coach Jason Candle said, per ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg. "That's his edge."

NFL teams are far more forgiving today regarding physical shortcomings than they've ever been. Brees, Russell Wilson, Keenum, Tyrod Taylor and even Mayfield have beaten the stigma of smaller quarterbacks.

The 6'2", 201-pound Woodside is a tremendous touch passer with the ability to pick apart opposing defenses. According to Pro Football Focus, he finished second in the nation last season with an adjusted completion percentage against pressure of 70. 

The Cincinnati Bengals lost backup AJ McCarron to the Bills in free agency. Matt Barkley signed a two-year deal to back up Andy Dalton, but the organization has also showed interest in Woodside. In fact, quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt attended Toledo's pro day, according to NFL Media's Gil Brandt. 

Draft Range: Seventh-round selection