The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Rating the QBs in NFL draft, and who might go No. 1,

- — D. ORLANDO LEDBETTER

The top 10 quarterbac­k prospects (with projected round) for the NFL draft, which April 26-28 in Arlington, Texas:

1. Josh Rosen, UCLA, 6 feet 4, 226 pounds (first)

He has survived some questionab­le comments from former coach Jim Mora but is immensely talented. His bizarre behavior and ability to lead has been heavily scrutinize­d during the predraft process. But physically, there is no question about his talent. He was a five-star recruit but didn’t win big at UCLA while playing under three coordinato­rs. Rosen was the first true freshman in UCLA’s storied history to start the season opener. He passed for 3,670 yards, 23 touchdowns and had 11 intercepti­ons while setting several UCLA freshman records on the way to an 8-5 record. He had a shoulder injury and played just six games as a sophomore before going 6-7 last season as a junior. “Rosen needs to stop trying to do too much with his arm and improve his feel in the pocket, but his instincts and movements are reminiscen­t of Matt Ryan, projecting as a NFL starter,” according to Dane Brugler’s 2018 NFL draft guide.

2. Sam Darnold, Southern Cal, 6-3, 221 (first)

He got plastered by Ohio State in his final collegiate game in the Cotton Bowl. After that rout, Darnold elected to bypass his final two years of eligibilit­y and enter the draft. He was a four-star recruit and redshirted one season before playing the past two seasons. He completed 549 of 846 passes (64.9 percent) for 7,229 yards, 57 touchdowns and 22 intercepti­ons. “Sam Darnold should be the pick for the Cleveland Browns (at No. 1 overall),” NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah said. “I think he’s the right guy there. I personally think he’s the best quarterbac­k in his class.”

3. Josh Allen, Wyoming, 6-4, 237 (first)

He was a late-bloomer who was lightly recruited coming out of high school and junior college. Only Wyoming and Eastern Michigan gave him offers. He has the biggest arm in the draft and the most imposing physical stature. He was not very accurate at times, completing 56.3 percent of his passes. He has drawn comparison­s to Eagles quarterbac­k Carson Wentz since they played in the same offense. Allen was under center and in the shotgun for the Cowboys. He was proficient with read-pass option concepts. Most of his woes have been attributed to his weak supporting cast.“I’ve done a bunch of his tape and saw him live at the Senior Bowl,” NFL draft analyst Mike Mayock said. “He’s got as live an arm as anybody I’ve seen since JaMarcus Russell. I heard people thought that was a negative because of JaMarcus’ career. But to qualify that, all I’m talking about is arm talent. I’m not talking about the ability to play in the NFL. His arm talent is the best I’ve seen since Russell.”

4. Lamar Jackson, Louisville, 6-2, 216 (first)

A team that is willing to retool on offense to blend in Jackson’s unique talents could end up with the steal of the draft. Former Clemson star Deshaun Watson showed in a small sample size how dangerous a quarterbac­k with pass-run skills can be in the NFL. The former Heisman Trophy winner played three seasons at Louisville under former Falcons coach Bobby Petrino. He selected the school because Petrino ran a pro-style offense, and he had a chance to start as a freshman. The speedy Jackson rushed for 1,571 yards as a sophomore and 1,601 as a junior. The knock on Jackson is he is not an accurate passer. He completed 619 of 1,086 passes (57.0 percent) for 9,043 yards, 69 touchdowns and 27 intercepti­ons. “We ran the (Ron) Erhardt system,” Jackson said. “Coach would probably call it from the sideline, and I would have to relay it to the line. My receivers had to look to the sideline to know what protection (was called). Simple stuff like that.” Baltimore and New England appear to be most interested. “Jackson has the first-round athleticis­m of a right-handed Michael Vick and can have a better NFL career if he continues to develop his decision-making, mechanics and accuracy as a passer,” according to Dane Brugler’s 2018 NFL draft guide.

5. Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma, 6-0, 215 (first)

Didn’t endear himself to many football traditiona­lists when he planted the flag at Ohio Stadium. Also, has shown childish behavior on the sideline and made a bad impression with a camera crew following him around to shoot a reality series at the combine. He needs to mature on and off the field. Mayfield was arrested and charged (Feb. 2017) with public intoxicati­on, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and fleeing after Washington County (Arkansas) police responded to an assault report. Mayfield attempted to run from the law. But when you strip away all of his nonsense, he’s won a lot of college football games. He’s a bit on the short side and must be in the right offense to exploit his talents. Mayfield has inflated numbers coming out the defensivel­y challenged conference.

6. Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma St., 6-4, 235 (second)

Played for Kyle Richardson at Rock Hill (S.C.) Northweste­rn High. Richardson is currently at Clemson as an offensive assistant. The ACC and SEC schools overlooked Rudolph, who went out to the Midwest and starred for the Cowboys. He left Oklahoma State with nearly all of the school’s passing records, including touchdowns (92), passing yards (13,618), 400-yard passing games (10) and 300-yard passing games (23). “Mason Rudolph is who he is,” Mayock said. “Big, strong, good-looking kid. I have a second-round grade on him. I don’t think his arm strength is in the same conversati­on (as the other guys).”

7. J.T. Barrett, Ohio State, 6-1, 224 (third)

He posted a 38-6 record with the Buckeyes and set 34 school records, including breaking Drew Brees’ Big Ten marks for career passing touchdowns and total yards. He has the arm strength but must speed up his reads and delivery to be successful in the NFL. He has the intangible­s pro scouts like, but his slow deliver is a red flag.

8. Mike White, W. Kentucky, 6-4, 224 (third/fourth)

He started his career at South Florida and played as a freshman. He transferre­d after Quinton Flowers took over to run the offense that then-South Florida coach Willie Taggert wanted to run. He passed for more than 11,000 yards over his career.

9. Kyle Lauletta, Richmond, 6-2, 222 (fourth/fifth)

There’s been a buzz about him since he won the most valuable player award at the Senior Bowl. He completed 63.5 percent of his passes for the Spiders and passed for more than 10,000 yards while starting 36 of 40 games.

10. Luke Falk, Washington St., 6-3, 215 (fifth/sixth)

He was a three-year starter for the Cougars and was a perfect fit for Mike Leach’s spread offense. He completed 68.3 percent of his passes and passed for more than 14,400 yards.

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