Darnold’s Journey in the NFL
In a surprising turn of events, Sam Darnold, the third pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, will be the first quarterback from his class to reach the Super Bowl. However, he won’t be playing if the San Francisco 49ers have their way. Darnold will serve as the backup to Brock Purdy as the Niners take on Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in Las Vegas.
Career Paths of the 2018 Quarterbacks
Let’s take a look at the careers of the five quarterbacks selected in the 2018 NFL Draft:
Baker Mayfield – A Rollercoaster Ride
Baker Mayfield’s time in the NFL has been filled with ups and downs. After leading the Cleveland Browns to their first postseason appearance since 2002, Mayfield’s career took a downturn. He bounced around multiple teams before finding success with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2023 season, leading them to a wild-card victory. Now a free agent, Mayfield’s future in Tampa Bay looks promising.
Sam Darnold – A Winding Path
After being drafted by the New York Jets, Sam Darnold was expected to fix the team’s QB problems. However, after just three seasons, he was traded to the Carolina Panthers. Now, Darnold finds himself as the backup for the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl, hoping to bring a championship somewhere.
Josh Allen – Rising Star
Josh Allen, once considered a project, has emerged as one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. Leading the Buffalo Bills to five straight playoff appearances, Allen has thrown for over 4,000 yards in each of the last four seasons. However, playoff success has eluded him and the Bills, with the Chiefs standing in their way of a Super Bowl berth once again.
Josh Rosen – Out of the League
Josh Rosen, the 10th pick of the draft, didn’t live up to expectations. After just one season with the Arizona Cardinals, he was traded to the Miami Dolphins. Rosen’s time in the league was short-lived, and he is currently out of the NFL.
Lamar Jackson – A Phenomenal Success
The last pick of the first round, Lamar Jackson, has had a remarkable career. On his way to winning his second MVP trophy, Jackson has led the Baltimore Ravens to consistent success. Despite falling short in the AFC championship game, Jackson’s impact as a player, leader, and person is undeniable, and the Ravens are excited about their future with him.
Despite the varying paths taken by these quarterbacks, it is Sam Darnold who will have the honor of being the first from his class to grace the Super Bowl stage, albeit as a backup. Only time will tell what the future holds for these talented quarterbacks.