2018 NFL Mock Draft: Quarterback Bonanza Kicks Things Off

Apr 15, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass during the annual 2017 Spring Game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum . Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass during the annual 2017 Spring Game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum . Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 15, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass during the annual 2017 Spring Game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum . Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass during the annual 2017 Spring Game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum . Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

A 2018 NFL mock draft in May of 2017 might seem a bit excessive but everybody knows that draft season never ends. It’s a 365-days obsession.

Already previews are being set up for what to expect next year. There’s a lot of excitement surrounding the quarterback class with its many intricacies and considerable talent. Not to mention some legitimate pass rushers and another wave of running backs. That begs the inevitable question. How could things end up playing out? Here’s a (very) early preview.

1. New York Jets

USC. Sam Darnold . 1. player. 30. It’s really hard to like anything about the New York Jets at this point aside from their solid front seven on defense. That is in no way enough to curb the other glaring issues they still have on the roster. None more so than quarterback. Josh McCown has always been a career backup. Bryce Petty was underwhelming in his opportunity to start last season. Christian Hackenberg? He was a train wreck when he arrived as a rookie and it’s hard to imagine that changing. <p>This team desperately needs a fresh start. Sam Darnold is far and away the hot name at the position going into 2018. His outstanding performance to end last season showcased everything good about him from the strong arm to the accuracy and poise under pressure. Aside from an awkward delivery he does seem to possess all the tools for a franchise QB. Somebody the Jets should be able to build around.</p>. QB