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2018 NFL Draft: 5 quarterbacks who could be drafted before 49ers’ first pick

By Aaron Tan

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 18: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans scrambles out of the pocket during the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 18: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans scrambles out of the pocket during the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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LEXINGTON, KY – NOVEMBER 25: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Louisville Cardinals throws a pass against the Kentucky Wildcats during the game at Commonwealth Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY – NOVEMBER 25: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Louisville Cardinals throws a pass against the Kentucky Wildcats during the game at Commonwealth Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Lamar Jackson (Louisville)

The previous four quarterbacks will probably be taken before the 49ers pick at No. 9 in the draft.

But a fifth could sneak in there, and that’s 2016 Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson.

The only reason why Jackson is being mocked in the first round of the draft is his running ability. He can run circles around opposing defenses.

However, nobody really talks about his arm, which I think is the most crucial aspect of any quarterback. Jackson has a powerful arm that can make any throw, but like Allen, he is very inconsistent.

I’d go as far to say that he’s more inconsistent than Allen, and that’s saying a lot.

Every time I would watch a Louisville game, I’d see Jackson miss open receivers, whether if it was an easy short pass or a difficult long ball. It was incredibly frustrating to watch as a football fan.

Jackson has the ceiling to become the next Michael Vick. He just needs to work on his throwing ability to reach that goal.

I unfortunately do not think that Jackson will be taken before the 49ers pick at No. 9, but I could see a situation where a team trades up to Nos. 7, 8 or, even better, 9 to take a chance on him.

Next: 49ers to give Jimmie Ward reps at cornerback

If these five quarterbacks are taken before it’s time for John Lynch call a prospect to let him know that he’s about to become a Niner, this team is in prime position to acquire a blue-chip prospect in the first round of the draft.