Chris Simms' 2018 QB Draft Rankings: A Look Back
Chris Simms, a former NFL quarterback and current analyst for NBC Sports, released his 2018 NFL Draft quarterback rankings before the draft. While his rankings have changed over the years, his 2018 rankings proved to be interesting considering the success of some of the quarterbacks in the draft.
Here is a breakdown of Chris Simms' 2018 QB rankings and how the quarterbacks performed in their NFL careers so far:
Chris Simms' 2018 QB Draft Rankings:
- Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills): Simms had Allen as his top quarterback in the draft, and he's proven to be correct. Allen has established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the league, leading the Bills to multiple playoff appearances and earning numerous accolades.
- Baker Mayfield (Cleveland Browns): Simms placed Mayfield second on his list. While he hasn't reached the same heights as Allen, Mayfield has shown flashes of brilliance and is a legitimate starting quarterback in the NFL. He led the Browns to their first playoff win in over 20 years.
- Sam Darnold (New York Jets): Simms ranked Darnold third. His NFL journey has been bumpy, marked by injuries and inconsistent play. However, Darnold has shown glimpses of potential, and a fresh start with the Carolina Panthers may help him reach his full potential.
- Josh Rosen (Arizona Cardinals): Simms placed Rosen fourth, and unfortunately, he hasn't had the same success as his higher-ranked peers. He has bounced around the league, struggling to find a consistent role.
- Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens): This was a surprising ranking, as Simms had Jackson fifth on his list. Jackson has been an absolute revelation in the league, becoming one of the most exciting and impactful quarterbacks. He's won an MVP award and led the Ravens to multiple playoff appearances.
Looking Back:
Simms' 2018 QB rankings were a mixed bag. He was right about Allen and Mayfield, both of whom have become star quarterbacks. However, his ranking of Darnold was questionable, while his placing of Jackson at the bottom of the top five was a significant miscalculation.
It's important to remember that draft rankings are subjective and can change over time. While Simms' 2018 list was insightful, it serves as a reminder that predicting the future of young quarterbacks is a challenging task.