Could the Big 4 be more hype than reality?

Heading into the 2018 NFL Draft, the “Big 4” at quarterback will be the talk of the yearly event. Could they all be more hype than reality in the grand scheme of things?

Sam Darnold. Josh Rosen. Josh Allen. Baker Mayfield. These are what many consider to be the best of the best when it comes to quarterbacks that are entering the 2018 NFL Draft. For the plethora of NFL teams that are in dire need of a new franchise quarterback, one of these athletes could possibly change everything as soon as their rookie season. But what if it’s more hype than reality?

The truth of the matter is, starting quarterback play in the NFL has taken a pretty big hit. Lots of great quarterbacks have been hit with severe injuries, some household names have fizzled out, and a lot of the time, general managers are always looking for an upgrade for the most important position on the team. The main problem is, desperation leads to erratic decisions and praising college quarterbacks for being something they’re not since they haven’t proven anything at the pro level.

When breaking down the Big 4 at quarterback, each player comes with a red flag or two. Based on their college careers, none are capable of just stepping right in and being an immediate sensation. Playing in the pros takes some time to get used to since it’s a completely different ball game compared to anything they’ve experienced at the collegiate level.

Just a year ago, Darnold was considered the next savior at quarterback and that once he hit the NFL, would be the next big thing. In his final year at USC last season, his draft value dropped due to regressing, to say the least. He was defined by turnovers as he ended 2017 with 13 interceptions and nine lost fumbles.

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Rosen might be the most talented of the bunch but unfortunately, injuries are part of everything he brings to the table. He’s already had shoulder surgery on his throwing arm and suffered two concussions. Imagine using a top-ten pick on a quarterback that might be one big hit away from hitting the injured reserve list?

Allen is the most inaccurate of the bunch. His combined 56.2 percent completion rate in his three years at Wyoming is alarming as he’s known to either overthrow or underthrow his receivers despite having solid arm strength.

Then, of course, there’s Mayfield who many consider being the most immature of the Big 4. The Heisman Trophy winner has incredible stats but unfortunately, can’t keep his emotions in check when things don’t go his way. Mayfield has the potential to be great but if he continues his on-the-field antics of making obscene gestures or losing his cool, he’ll frustrate coaches and fans due to unsportsmanlike penalties.

Out of the Big 4, none of them are perfect and unfortunately, a lot of teams will be reaching to secure one just because there is hope they can be a franchise quarterback for years to come. Remember, not every player pans out in the NFL and out of all these quarterbacks, not a single one can guarantee immediate success due to something that brings them back down to reality. Unfortunately for this year’s draft, there is a lot of hype for these quarterbacks that should be lowered until they can prove otherwise.

Heading into the 2018 NFL Draft, the “Big 4” at quarterback will be the talk of the yearly event. Could they all be more hype than reality in the grand scheme of things?

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