2018 NFL Mock Draft: With Jets win, QB no longer guaranteed

By Brad Weiss | Sep 27, 2017

BERKELEY, CA - SEPTEMBER 23: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans passes against the California Golden Bears during the second quarter at California Memorial Stadium on September 23, 2017 in Berkeley, California. The USC Trojans defeated the California Golden Bears 30-20. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /

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BERKELEY, CA – SEPTEMBER 23: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans stands in the pocket against the California Golden Bears during the first quarter at California Memorial Stadium on September 23, 2017 in Berkeley, California. The USC Trojans defeated the California Golden Bears 30-20. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /

Sam Darnold

Quarterback, USC

The San Francisco 49ers are off to a rough start to the season, and it is clear that they need a true franchise quarterback. Luckily for the 49ers, this NFL draft class is loaded with players at the quarterback position, and the team will be in line to grab one. Sam Darnold of USC will likely be the first quarterback off the board, and the 49ers would have to select him No. 2 overall.

Darnold is not having the best statistical season for the Trojans, but he certainly has the talent to be a difference maker at the next level. The 49ers have a solid running back in Carlos Hyde, and any quarterback drafted by the team will be in a good position. Head coach Kyle Shanahan does wonders with the quarterback position, so expect whoever the team takes to be ready to go Week 1.

With the current standings in the NFL, the Browns would pick first, and they are already set at the position. That means Darnold will come off the board at No. 2 if the season ended tomorrow, and he would be a perfect fit in San Francisco. It is not certain if Darnold is going to come out early, but if he does, he is going to be the first signal-caller off the board.

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