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Why the 49ers Should Wait Until 2018 to Address the Quarterback Position

By Akash Anavarathan

Mar 1, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan speaks to the media during the 2017 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan speaks to the media during the 2017 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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January 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) looks to pass against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
January 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) looks to pass against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

College Quarterbacks to Watch

The 2018 NFL Draft lass could feature not one, not two but three potential franchise quarterbacks.

The upcoming 2017 draft doesn’t necessarily feature a quarterback a team can build around.

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    • Most mock drafts have the 49ers taking QB Mitch Trubisky. But I wrote earlier on why they should avoid him at all costs. 

    Other quarterback options, such as Deshaun Watson or DeShone Kizer have too many question marks to take in the first round. I think QB Patrick Mahomes from Texas Tech might be worth the 49ers’ second-round pick, but by no means is he a starter from day one.

    So let’s take a look at why the 49ers could look to the 2018 NFL draft for their franchise quarterback. If you haven’t acquainted yourself with USC QB Sam Darnold, take some time to do that now.

    USC Quarterback Sam Darnold

    Darnold, a redshirt sophomore, will head into his second season as the full-time starter. Darnold plays the part well, standing 6-foot-5, and showing Ben Roethlisberger-like strength. He played well this past season, completing 67 percent of his throws for 31 touchdowns and only nine interceptions.

    His best game came in the Rose Bowl against Penn State, when he threw for over 450 yards and five touchdowns on the way to a 52-49 Trojan victory.

    The biggest indicator of his talent is explained by NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah in this tweet:

    Darnold isn’t even due to be in the draft for another year, yet executives are already talking about him. The upcoming season will be more telling of his NFL future, but let’s continue to keep our eyes on him.

    UCLA Quarterback Josh Rosen

    Another option is on the other Los Angeles campus, UCLA QB Josh Rosen. Similar in size to Darnold, Rosen features a lot of franchise quarterback potential.

    Sep 24, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) passes the ball during the first half against the Stanford Cardinal at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
    Sep 24, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) passes the ball during the first half against the Stanford Cardinal at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

    Rosen, or the “chosen one,” came onto the scene strong in his freshman campaign. He had UCLA buzzing, with 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2015.

    With high expectations, his sophomore season was a let-down, as he battled injuries. He clearly wasn’t the same player, but this upcoming season will be important for his draft stock.

    Can he regain his form and be a top-10 pick in the draft, or will he continue to slide with a so-so Junior season?

    Honorable Mention

    Other options for a potential franchise quarterback are Wyoming QB Josh Allen or Washington QB Jake Browning.

    Both have quietly had really good seasons and could potentially be good NFL players. The 2018 quarterback class is elite and probably the best one we’ve seen in the past few years.

    If the 49ers can be patient and earn a high draft selection, they may earn themselves’ a quarterback to build around.

    But here are also some NFL free-agent options that the 49ers can pursue in the 2018 offseason.