Rosen declares himself best QB in NFL draft

Former UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen said he’s the best quarterback in the 2018 NFL Draft and spoke to some past criticisms in a wide-ranging interview with ESPN published on Tuesday.

Rosen – nicknamed “Chosen Rosen” due to his Jewish heritage – was clear when asked who he thinks the draft’s top signal-caller is.

“I’m the best QB in the draft,” he said. “A lot of guys are flashier, but I think I’m the most efficient, monotonously consistent QB in this draft. Rodgers has some flair, but if you watch Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, there’s nothing that’s explosive or Johnny Manziel-like. It’s just quarterbacking.” Likewise, Rosen wasn’t shy when asked about his NFL goals. “I want to be the winningest QB in NFL history,” he said. “I want to win the most games and most championships. I’d say six titles, but if Tom Brady gets six, I’ll say seven.”

The 21-year-old has been called the best pure passer in the 2018 draft, but has also drawn criticism for his personality and attitude.

Former Bruins head coach Jim Mora Jr. made waves last week when expanding on comments that he believes USC’s Sam Darnold would be a better fit for the Cleveland Browns, saying Rosen “needs to be challenged intellectually so he doesn’t get bored” and “wants to know why.”

Rosen also caught flak during his college career for having a hot tub in his dorm room, taking shots at the NCAA and wearing a profane hat at Trump National Golf Club. When asked by ESPN about his own influence upon his reputation, he acknowledged that he’s made some missteps during the rise from being a starry high school recruit to a top NFL draft prospect.

“Starting off, I was pretty arrogant,” Rosen said. “I blew up a little bit, said some things I didn’t mean, and that follows you. You get one chance to make a first impression. I made the wrong one.

“Maybe a little bit of me was a jerk in the past. I’m trying to wipe it away.”

Rosen isn’t expected to go first overall in the draft, with the Browns widely believed to be keying on Darnold and Wyoming’s Josh Allen.

He has been connected with both the New York Giants and New York Jets – who pick at Nos. 2 and 3, respectively – though recent reports have suggested the Giants will not draft a quarterback if Darnold is not available.