Packers: An early look at the 2018 NFL Draft class
By Dan Dahlke
![CLEMSON, SC - OCTOBER 28: Teammates Christian Wilkins CLEMSON, SC - OCTOBER 28: Teammates Christian Wilkins](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Flombardiave-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2017-2F10-2F867627068-georgia-tech-v-clemson-jpg-850x560-6a8c2d2ac4f5195aa0322fbc7eb67b1156275c76f1152baaf792804b1cde4bbd.jpg)
Quarterback
1. Sam Darnold, USC (6-4, 220)
2. Josh Rosen, UCLA (6-4, 218)
3. Lamar Jackson, Louisville (6-3, 211)
4. Josh Allen, Wyoming (6-5, 240)
5. Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State (6-5, 230)
Other Notable QBs: Will Grier (West Virginia), Baker Mayfield (Oklahoma), Jake Browning (Washington), Nick Fitzgerald (Mississippi State), Luke Falk (Washington State), Quenton Flowers (South Florida)
Position outlook: Two months into the college season and the 2018 quarterback class has underperformed.
Darnold and Rosen were the two more highly anticipated passers going into the season, but they have both struggled in big games.
Having said this, they could still be the first two quarterbacks selected in next spring’s draft because they still have the tools, intelligence, and arms to excel at the next level.
Allen garnered some momentum near the end of last season, but the Wyoming passer also has struggled against teams like Iowa, Oregon, and Boise State. Despite this, scouts and draft analysts have raved about his arm strength. He should land with a team that can develop him behind a well-established starter.
Jackson is the most electric player of the bunch. He’s already surpassed 1,000 yards rushing on the season, including 14 scores on the ground. He has also made considerable strides as a passer, showing better accuracy and pocket presence than his sophomore season.
The reigning Heisman champion is stringing together another impressive year and is beginning to show the tools to play at the next level.
However, he still needs to add strength and weight to his frame and show more consistency in the pocket.
Packers need: If Green Bay decides to trade Brett Hundley following this season, they’ll need to develop another reliable backup behind Aaron Rodgers.
They could probably get a guy like Luke Falk or Nick Fitzgerald in the middle rounds to groom and learn their system.