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2018 NFL Draft: 5 quarterback prospects for the 49ers

By Peter Panacy

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans looks to pass the ball against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the 2017 Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans looks to pass the ball against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the 2017 Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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PISCATAWAY, NJ – SEPTEMBER 01: Quarterback Jake Browning #3 of the Washington Huskies warms up before a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on September 1, 2017 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ – SEPTEMBER 01: Quarterback Jake Browning #3 of the Washington Huskies warms up before a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on September 1, 2017 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

I’m not sold on the idea the 49ers will use their first pick in the NFL Draft on a quarterback. It might not happen in Round 2 either.

Should the Niners want to wait, Washington’s Jake Browning might be worth the watch.

It’s going to be interesting to watch Browning, who finished sixth in Heisman voting last year, compete without top-tier receiving target John Ross, who joined the Cincinnati Bengals this season.

I’ll admit, I’m a bit biased towards Browning, as he’s from Folsom, California. I’m typing this from Folsom, so he’s a relatively big name around these parts.

Regardless, CBS Sports lists him as the No. 52 overall prospect heading into this year’s draft. That might change, of course, but let’s look at why.

Browning’s 62.4 career completion percentage is a plus, and it’s impossible to overlook those 43 touchdowns thrown for the Huskies last season. Looking at the tape, we see even more:

An adjustment to being more of a pocket passer is pending, so that’s something to watch. And there isn’t exactly a lot of zip on Browning’s throws, especially downfield. He has to wind his body up to make these tosses, opening up the possibility for big hits.

It is fun to watch him escape pressure out of the pocket, though.

Next: Way-too-early look at 49ers 2018 NFL Draft needs

If Browning winds up falling into Round 3 of the draft, this might be a player the 49ers take a hard look at. Yes, they’ll have to rework his tools to fit him into the scheme. But there is a lot to like insofar as making him a possible long-term fit.