Celebrating the Remarkable Achievements of the 2018 Quarterback Draft Class

The spotlight is shining brightly on the 2018 NFL Draft quarterback class, which includes Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson. Remarkably, each of these talented quarterbacks was selected in the first round and will start at least one game in the 2024 NFL postseason. This unprecedented occurrence marks the first time in NFL history that four first-round quarterbacks have reached the playoffs in the same year, highlighting the significance of their journeys and accomplishments.

Historical Context: Four Starting Quarterbacks from One Draft Class

In the rich history of the NFL, classes featuring multiple quarterbacks in the postseason have occurred before, such as in 1983 with John Elway, Todd Blackledge, and Tony Eason, and in 2017 with Patrick Mahomes, Deshaun Watson, and Mitchell Trubisky. However, the 2018 draft class stands out as it uniquely showcases four starting quarterbacks, a feat that emphasizes their respective talents and potential to reshape the league’s future.

Assessing the Legacy: Are They the Best Draft Class of All Time?

While it may be premature to label the 2018 quarterback class among the greatest of all time, especially given their combined playoff record of 8-10 and the absence of a Super Bowl victory, reaching the postseason is a notable achievement. Their individual paths to this point are filled with determination and promise, showcasing their growth and resilience within the competitive landscape of the NFL.

Baker Mayfield: From No. 1 Overall Pick to Playoff Contender

Baker Mayfield was a surprising choice as the No. 1 overall pick by the Cleveland Browns, but circumstances changed when Deshaun Watson joined the team in 2022. After brief stints with the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams, Mayfield found his rhythm and a new home with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Under his leadership, the Buccaneers have achieved back-to-back NFC South titles, proving that Mayfield can still excel in the league.

Sam Darnold: Overcoming Setbacks to Find Success

Selected just two spots after Mayfield, Sam Darnold faced challenges early in his career, struggling during his time with the New York Jets. Despite a rocky three years, he faced further adversity with injuries while with the Panthers and later served as a backup for the San Francisco 49ers. This offseason, Darnold joined the Minnesota Vikings, where he unexpectedly stepped into the starting role due to a knee injury to rookie J.J. McCarthy, subsequently guiding the team to a stellar 14-3 record in the regular season.

Josh Allen: The MVP Candidate Leading the Bills

Since being selected by the Buffalo Bills as the seventh overall pick, Josh Allen has emerged as a consistent MVP candidate. His development into a dynamic quarterback has been remarkable, as he has led the Bills to five consecutive AFC East titles. The franchise’s patience with Allen has paid off, as they now hold the No. 2 seed in the conference this season, showcasing his growth and ability to perform on the big stage.

Lamar Jackson: The Standout Star of the Class

Lamar Jackson, the final quarterback selected in the first round, has distinguished himself as the most successful among his peers. After taking over as the starting quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens midway through his rookie season, Jackson quickly made an impact, leading the team to the playoffs. His recognition as the league’s MVP in his second season, followed by another MVP award in 2023, further solidifies his status as a premier talent. Jackson’s potential to claim a third MVP title in 2024 is also on the horizon, showcasing his continued excellence.

The Forgotten Fifth QB: Josh Rosen’s Struggles in the NFL

We cannot overlook Josh Rosen, who was the fifth quarterback taken in the first round of the 2018 draft, selected by the Arizona Cardinals at the 10th overall pick. Unfortunately, Rosen struggled to find his footing in the NFL, playing only one season with the Cardinals before a trade to the Miami Dolphins in 2019. His career concluded with a brief four-game stint with the Atlanta Falcons, illustrating the unpredictable nature of quarterback success in the league.

Comparing the 2018 Class to Historic Draft Classes

While not every first-round quarterback can achieve stardom, the 2018 class is emerging as one of the most promising of the Super Bowl era. Although it may not yet rival the legendary draft classes of 1983, which featured icons like Elway, Dan Marino, and Jim Kelly, or the 2004 class with Eli Manning, Phillip Rivers, and Ben Roethlisberger, the future for the 2018 quarterbacks remains bright, particularly as they continue to gain experience and success in the coming seasons.

Unique Achievements: The Only Classes with Multiple Postseason Starts

What truly sets the 2018 class apart is that it, along with the 1983 class, stands as the only first-round quarterback classes to feature four quarterbacks with at least one postseason start and a combined total of 10 years in the league. This achievement underscores the significance of their contributions to their respective teams and the league as a whole.

Potential for Future Success: Comparing Generations of Quarterbacks

Looking ahead, the 2020 quarterback class, featuring Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Herbert, and Jordan Love, is the only one that could potentially catch up to the 2018 class. Despite having seven years with postseason starts, they currently have only 20 combined seasons, indicating that the future remains uncertain for this cohort.

Distribution of Postseason Success: Analyzing Historical Trends

When assessing the postseason distribution among quarterback classes, it is notable how the 1983 class’s trio of Elway, Marino, and Kelly accounts for almost 90% of their collective postseason appearances. Similarly, Aaron Rodgers has been the primary contributor for the 2005 class, while Peyton Manning and Troy Aikman dominated the playoff appearances for their respective classes. In contrast, the 2017 class will continue to accumulate postseason appearances due to Patrick Mahomes, although Watson and Trubisky may not see playoff action soon.

Key Factors for Success: Age, Experience, and Team Dynamics

The longevity and success of the 2018 draft class can be attributed to various factors, including age and team dynamics. Much like the 1983 and 2004 classes, which benefited from strong franchise quarterbacks supported by solid teams, the 2018 quarterbacks have begun to establish themselves as playoff-caliber leaders. Jackson and Allen have quickly emerged as franchise cornerstones, each making multiple postseason appearances. In contrast, Mayfield and Darnold faced challenges in maintaining starting roles until finding success in their current situations.

Darnold’s Journey: Thriving in Minnesota

Sam Darnold has notably thrived under improved coaching and better offensive weapons with the Vikings. The consistency of Minnesota’s defense has also played a vital role in keeping the team competitive, allowing Darnold to showcase the skills that made him a highly regarded prospect in college. This season, he has achieved career highs in completion percentage, passing yards, touchdowns, and passer rating, illustrating his potential to contribute significantly to his team’s success.

Mayfield’s Resurgence: A New Chapter in Tampa Bay

Baker Mayfield has made significant strides in refining his game while playing for the Buccaneers. This season, he recorded a career-high completion percentage of 71.4% and an impressive well-thrown percentage of 86.8%. These metrics ranked third in the NFL, showcasing his growth and improvement compared to his previous season as a starter in 2020.

Maximizing Opportunities: The Keys to Success for Jackson and Allen

For both Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen, their success has hinged on maximizing scoring opportunities while minimizing mistakes. Allen achieved a milestone this season with fewer than 10 turnovers, recording just six interceptions and two lost fumbles, leading to his best interception percentage of 1.2% in his career. Additionally, he scored double-digit rushing touchdowns again, averaging a remarkable 5.2 yards per rush attempt. Jackson, known for his explosive rushing abilities, had his best passing season, setting career highs in passing yards (4,172) and touchdowns (41) while maintaining the lowest interception rate (0.8%) in league history.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the 2018 Quarterback Class

As we evaluate the 2018 quarterback class, it’s clear that Allen and Jackson have established themselves as mainstays in the league, while Mayfield’s recent successes indicate he can lead a team effectively. Darnold’s future remains uncertain, and his performance will ultimately influence how this class is remembered in history. Regardless, the 2018 class is poised to be one of the best in NFL history, with the potential to surpass the 2004 first-round quarterbacks if their collective success continues.

2024 Playoffs: A Crucial Moment for the 2018 Class

The upcoming playoffs will be pivotal in assessing the legacy of the 2018 quarterback class, especially given the success of its members in reaching the postseason. With Allen and Jackson securing the second and third seeds in the AFC and Mayfield and Darnold holding the fourth and fifth seeds in the NFC, a rare opportunity arises for two first-round quarterbacks from the same draft class to meet in the Super Bowl, a feat that has never been accomplished before.

Research support provided by Stats Perform’s Jeff Mangurten and Jake Coyne. Check out our NBA, NFL, college basketball, FBS and FCS coverage. And follow along on Instagram, Bluesky, Threads, Facebook and X for more.