Josh Rosen Needs Just The Right Coach To Succeed in NFL
By Erik Lambert
Josh Rosen is probably the most polarizing quarterback prospect in the 2018 NFL draft, which at this stage is actually saying a lot.
It seems the entire class is overrun with talented but incomplete names. Sam Darnold was the media darling early last year but struggled to take care of the football at times. Josh Allen has a rocket arm but often struggled to complete passes that should’ve been gimmes for an NFL quarterback. Baker Mayfield has a bit of a rebellious streak. Lamar Jackson has a thin frame and a style of play that make many wonder if he might be better suited for a different position.
Rosen is no different. There is a lingering concern in the draft community that the UCLA passer has a somewhat self-entitled attitude. His devotions aren’t 100% focused on football and the belief is he’ll likely look to another vocation a few years after he gets into the league. In fact, one of his harshest critics of late is his own former head coach. Jim Mora, who was recently fired by UCLA, seems to think that Rosen is one of those players who needs the right fit if he’s going to have success.
In other words, he has to end up with a coach who likely is able to speak the language of quarterbacks and won’t be easily intimidated by Rosen’s status as a top draft choice.
Adam Gase stands out as an ideal man to take on the Rosen challenge
Looking at the landscape of teams that could be possible landing spots, it’s surprising how few seem suited for the task. Cleveland is predicted to go for Josh Allen or Sam Darnold at #1. Pat Shurmur fits the bill in New York but indications are the Giants will focus on either the offensive line or defensive line if Darnold isn’t available. The Jets, Broncos, and Bills are all run by defensive head coaches, as is the Arizona Cardinals.
Amazingly enough, it’s a team that hasn’t been talked about much on the quarterback circuit that might be the best home for him. That’s the Miami Dolphins. Adam Gase is just the man for the job. He’s one of the top offensive specialists in the NFL with a deep background in coaching quarterbacks. He got top seasons out of both Jay Cutler and Peyton Manning, two of the more headstrong personalities at that position over the past several years. If Gase could get them to peak form, there’s no reason to think he can do it for Rosen.
Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: One Quarterback Takes The Plunge
He’s not a man who’s afraid to challenge his players, especially the quarterback. This is a guy who even teased Dan Marino once during a casual talk during Dolphins practice. The only question is whether the Dolphins have interest in Rosen.