The 2018 NFL Draft is set to be one of the most dramatic in recent memory when it comes to the most important position on the field.
Experts have predicted that teams will draft as many as six quarterbacks in the first round, including four who could go in the first handful of picks.
In an attempt to extract some clarity on which teams might take a gamble on the signal-callers, we looked at what NFL Draft experts are projecting for the top quarterbacks in mock drafts.
The experts: ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN’s Todd McShay, NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks, NFL.com’s Adam Rank, Rotoworld’s Josh Norris, The Ringer’s Danny Kelly, DraftTek, and Pete Prisco, Will Brinson, and Chris Trepasso from CBS Sports.
1. Sam Darnold
Avg. Draft Position: 1.6
School: USC
Teams that experts are predicting to draft player: Browns (5), Jets (2), Giants (2)
Key expert quote: "The Browns get the top quarterback in this class. The number of interceptions Darnold threw over the past two seasons (22) is a concern, but with a strong arm, accuracy down the field, and mobility to extend plays, he's got all the tools to develop into a top-tier starter." - Danny Kelly
2. Josh Allen
Avg. Draft Position: 2.2
School: Wyoming
Teams that experts are predicting to draft player: Browns (5), Bills (2)
Key expert quote: "The NFL statistical comp I make to Allen: Matthew Stafford, who completed 57.1 percent of his passes in 39 games at Georgia and still went No. 1 overall. And Stafford had better talent around him." - Mel Kiper Jr.
3. Josh Rosen
Avg. Draft Position: 2.8
School: UCLA
Teams that experts are predicting to draft player: Jets (4), Bills (3)
Key expert quote: "Rosen is the most polished quarterback in this class when he's at his best, and he has rare arm talent." - Mel Kiper Jr.
4. Baker Mayfield
Avg. Draft Position: 3.5
School: Oklahoma
Teams that experts are predicting to draft player: Jets (3), Broncos (2)
Key expert quote: "Mayfield's a dynamic playmaker who posted elite numbers at Oklahoma, and while a lack of height (he's just a shade over 6-foot) and his experience primarily in a spread system are red flags, his ability to aggressively throw downfield and extend plays while protecting the football (he threw 119 touchdowns and just 21 picks in three years in Norman) give him the chance to turn into a star at the NFL level." - Danny Kelly
5. Lamar Jackson
Avg. Draft Position: 5.1
School: Louisville
Teams that experts are predicting to draft player: Cardinals (2), Chargers (1), Dolphins (1), Ravens (1), Saints (1)
Key expert quote: "The Louisville playmaker and former Heisman winner has experience in a pro-style passing scheme, can attack deep down the field, and is electric as a runner-both on scrambles and designed runs. He'll have to clean up a few mechanical issues, but Jackson has just as much upside as any other passer in this class." - Danny Kelly
6. Mason Rudolph
Avg. Draft Position: 5.8
School: Oklahoma State
Teams that experts are predicting to draft player: Cardinals (1), Ravens (1), Steelers (1), Bills (1)
Key expert quote: "Rudolph is a blue-collar QB with the leadership skills, intangibles and solid overall game to flourish as a QB1 in a conservative offense." - Bucky Brooks
Now check out our NFL Power Rankings after a busy offseason.
NFL POWER RANKINGS: Where all 32 teams stand in the middle of a chaotic offseason