Introduction
The NFL Draft is a yearly spectacle filled with hope, speculation, and the potential for franchise-altering decisions. Few positions are scrutinized as heavily as the quarterback, and the 2018 NFL Draft class delivered an exceptional amount of anticipation and debate surrounding the signal-callers available. Five quarterbacks were taken in the first round alone, creating a narrative that would be revisited and dissected for years to come. This group quickly became defined by the varying trajectories of its members, ultimately becoming widely known as the Josh Allen quarterback class, recognizing the Buffalo Bills star’s remarkable rise. As we look back several years later, the story of the Josh Allen quarterback class is a fascinating study in player evaluation, development, and the unpredictable nature of professional football.
The Highly Anticipated 2018 Quarterback Class on Draft Night
On draft night, the football world watched intently as the first picks came off the board. Baker Mayfield was the surprising first overall selection by the Cleveland Browns, followed shortly after by Sam Darnold at number three to the New York Jets. Then, at number seven, the Buffalo Bills took a chance on the raw, high-upside prospect from Wyoming, Josh Allen. The Los Angeles Cardinals selected Josh Rosen at number ten, and finally, the Baltimore Ravens traded back into the first round to grab Lamar Jackson at number thirty-two. This specific group formed the core of what is now often referred to as the Josh Allen quarterback class, a collection of players whose pre-draft profiles were as diverse as their eventual career paths. The hype surrounding this crop of passers was immense, with analysts projecting multiple future stars, though the exact order and eventual success stories were far from certain, particularly regarding the polarizing tools of players like Allen within this Josh Allen quarterback class.
Josh Allen’s Draft Profile and Initial Concerns
Delving deeper into Josh Allen’s individual draft profile reveals why he was such a divisive figure leading up to 2018. Coming from the University of Wyoming, Allen possessed arguably the strongest arm in the draft and exceptional athleticism for his size. He could make throws others could only dream of, and his mobility added a dangerous dimension to his game. However, these physical gifts were accompanied by significant question marks regarding his accuracy, completion percentage (hovering around 56% in his final college season), and decision-making against higher levels of competition. Scouts were split: some saw a future superstar if his mechanics and processing could be refined, while others viewed his accuracy issues as fundamental and potentially unfixable. His selection at seventh overall was a bold move by the Bills, betting on potential over polish, a decision that would dramatically influence the perception of the Josh Allen quarterback class years later.
Early Career Trajectories of the 2018 Quarterback Class
The initial professional chapters for the members of the 2018 quarterback class unfolded in vastly different ways, immediately highlighting the unpredictability of the NFL transition. Baker Mayfield had perhaps the most immediate impact, breaking rookie passing records and leading the Browns to their most successful season in years during his debut. Sam Darnold showed flashes with the Jets but also dealt with injuries and inconsistent play behind a struggling offensive line and organization. Josh Rosen endured a nightmare rookie season with the Cardinals, who then drafted Kyler Murray the following year, leading to Rosen’s quick departure from the team that drafted him. Lamar Jackson, after starting the season behind Joe Flacco, took over the Ravens’ offense mid-season and showcased his revolutionary dual-threat ability, leading Baltimore to the playoffs and setting the stage for a dominant second season. Meanwhile, Josh Allen in Buffalo displayed the raw tools – cannon arm throws and highlight-reel runs – but also struggled considerably with accuracy and turnovers, leading many to question the Bills’ investment and where he truly fit within the developing narrative of the Josh Allen quarterback class. The early returns suggested a wide variance in outcomes for this much-hyped collection of players.
The Transformation of Josh Allen
However, the defining story within the Josh Allen quarterback class became the truly remarkable transformation of Josh Allen himself. After struggling with accuracy in his first two seasons, Allen and the Bills coaching staff, particularly then-offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, embarked on a dedicated effort to refine his mechanics, footwork, and mental processing. The results were staggering. Beginning in his third season (2020), Allen emerged as one of the premier quarterbacks in the league. His completion percentage jumped dramatically, his decision-making improved, and his ability to combine elite arm talent with powerful running made him a near-unstoppable force. He became a perennial MVP candidate, leading the Bills to multiple division titles and deep playoff runs. This level of development was unprecedented for a player with his initial accuracy concerns and completely reshaped his place within the Josh Allen quarterback class, turning initial skepticism into awe and admiration. His success is a testament to player dedication and organizational commitment to development.
Where Are the Other Members of the Class Today?
Looking at where the other key players from the 2018 Josh Allen quarterback class stand today further illustrates the divergence in their careers. Baker Mayfield, after a tumultuous end in Cleveland and brief stints with Carolina and Los Angeles, found renewed success and stability with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leading them to the playoffs. Sam Darnold has bounced around, serving as a backup in San Francisco after his time with the Jets and Panthers, still searching for consistent footing in the league. Josh Rosen has become a journeyman, struggling to stick on rosters and largely out of the picture as a potential starter, solidifying his status as a significant draft miss. And then there is Lamar Jackson, who, alongside Allen, has cemented his place as one of the NFL’s elite. Jackson continued to evolve as a passer while maintaining his electrifying rushing ability, earning a second MVP award and securing a lucrative long-term contract with the Ravens. The current state of the Josh Allen quarterback class shows two undeniable superstars at the top, a former number one pick finding a niche, and others who failed to meet expectations.
Assessing the Legacy of the Josh Allen Quarterback Class
Assessing the overall legacy of the Josh Allen quarterback class requires balancing the highs and lows. On one hand, producing two bona fide, top-tier franchise quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson in a single first round is incredibly rare and elevates the class’s historical significance. Both players have not only achieved individual success but have also fundamentally changed the perception of what modern quarterback play can look like. Allen’s blend of power throwing and running, coupled with elite development, and Jackson’s revolutionary dual-threat mastery make them unique talents. However, the struggles of high picks like Sam Darnold and Josh Rosen serve as stark reminders of the inherent difficulty in evaluating college quarterbacks and projecting their NFL futures. The path of Baker Mayfield, while finding recent success, also wasn’t the consistent star trajectory often expected of a first overall pick. The Josh Allen quarterback class is perhaps best characterized by its extreme variance – undeniable hits at the very top, significant misses among the early selections, and lessons learned about the importance of situation, coaching, and player development. It’s a class that will continue to be discussed and analyzed whenever quarterback evaluation is debated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2018 NFL Draft class will forever be remembered for its fascinating collection of quarterbacks. From the pre-draft hype and skepticism surrounding players like Josh Allen, to the immediate flashes and subsequent struggles of others, and ultimately the emergence of two truly elite, game-changing talents in Allen and Lamar Jackson, the story is far from simple. The remarkable development of Josh Allen stands out as a prime example of how physical tools, combined with dedication and coaching, can lead to overcoming perceived limitations. The journey of the Josh Allen quarterback class serves as a captivating case study in the complex, high-stakes world of NFL quarterback evaluation and the unpredictable roads players travel on their way to potential stardom. The diverse outcomes solidify its place as one of the most interesting quarterback classes in recent memory.
