2018 NFL Draft: Josh Rosen to sit out UCLA bowl game
Josh Rosen isn’t expected to play in what’ll likely be his final collegiate game
UCLA quarterback and top draft prospect Josh Rosen will reportedly miss the Cactus Bowl on Dec. 26 after suffering a concussion late in the season.
Rosen had previously stated he planned to play in the bowl game against Kansas State, but multiple reports suggest he’s not yet been cleared by doctors. Rosen is believed to have suffered the concussion against Cal on Nov. 25 after being thrown to the ground.
Regardless if Rosen plays in the Cactus Bowl or not, he’s likely to declare for the 2018 NFL Draft. He’s completed a career-high 26 touchdowns for the Bruins despite having 7.5% of his passes dropped, third among the top quarterbacks projected to be available in this years draft.
Today UCLA QB Josh Rosen said he would look at the NFL after the bowl game and when asked about what makes him want to play in the @Cactus_Bowl when other high profile players have skipped bowl games... he had this great answer. #UCLA #CactusBowl pic.twitter.com/fArs2leCix
— Chris Lilly (@ChrisLilly_) December 24, 2017
If Rosen does declare for the draft he will be among the top candidates for the number one overall pick. Crosstown rival Sam Darnold at USC, Wyoming’s Josh Allen, and Heisman winner Baker Mayfield of Oklahoma will also contend for the top pick if they enter the draft.
More from College Football
- 2024 NFL Mock Draft Journal: Cardinals, Falcons tank for USC QB Caleb Williams
- NFL preseason Week 3: Notre Dame’s Mayer, Foskey with something to prove
- 2024 NFL Draft: Caelen Carson Is Name To Watch At Cornerback
- 2024 NFL Draft: Is This QB Class Worth The Hype?
- 17 Breakout Players From The 2024 NFL Draft
Most projections have the Cleveland Browns owning the number one overall pick with zero wins this season.
Cleveland drafted DeShone Kizer in the second round last year and have started him the majority of this season. Kizer leads the NFL with 19 interceptions, five more than Jay Cutler, Marcus Mariota, Ben Roethlisberger, and Trevor Siemian.
The Browns also have Cody Kessler and Kevin Hogan on their 53 man roster, and both have seen action this year. Cleveland has started 12 quarterbacks and drafted four since the 2012 season.
Next: Browns must give the farm to Kirk Cousins this offseason
Rosen would certainly fit a major need for Cleveland, who expect to hold two top-five picks after acquiring the Houston Texans’ first round pick last year in order to pick Deshaun Watson. Much will depend on the future of head coach Hue Jackson after the Browns hired former Chiefs executive John Dorsey as their new general manager.