The NFL quarterback class of 2018 is now considered one of the best ever, and it’s easy to see why. With stars like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Baker Mayfield, and Sam Darnold leading their teams to the playoffs, this group has made a significant impact on the league. They combined for 145 passing touchdowns, only 38 interceptions, and all had passer ratings over 101. Additionally, they contributed 20 rushing touchdowns, showcasing their versatility and athleticism.
But what about the fifth quarterback selected in that fateful draft? The name missing from that elite group is Josh Rosen, who was picked 10th overall by the Arizona Cardinals, 22 picks ahead of Lamar Jackson. Rosen was touted as the "most NFL-ready" quarterback by scouts after his time with the UCLA Bruins, where he set the school record for passing yards in a single season with 3,756. Many analysts ranked him in the A- to A+ range, with NFL.com declaring him "the best pure pocket passer in the draft."
After being drafted, Rosen confidently stated, "there were nine mistakes ahead of me," but his journey in the NFL has been anything but smooth. He signed a four-year deal worth $17.84 million, but things quickly unraveled. He became the starter in Week 4 of his rookie season, but the Cardinals struggled, leading to the firing of offensive coordinator Mike McCoy after a disastrous Week 7 loss. Rosen ended his rookie season with a 3-10 record as a starter and saw head coach Steve Wilks dismissed at season’s end.
The Cardinals brought in Kliff Kingsbury as the new head coach, who initially declared, "Josh is our guy." However, the team made a shocking decision to select Kyler Murray with the No. 1 pick in the following draft, effectively ending Rosen’s tenure in Arizona. He was traded to the Miami Dolphins, where he replaced Ryan Fitzpatrick as the starter in Week 3. Unfortunately, after three consecutive losses, he was benched, marking the last start of his NFL career.
Rosen’s career took a downward turn as he bounced around various teams as a backup. His most notable playing time came with the Atlanta Falcons in 2021, where he attempted just 11 passes, throwing two interceptions. After spending one more season trying to earn an NFL contract, he has been out of the league since 2022. While other players from the 2018 class continue to thrive, Rosen appears to have closed the door on his football journey.
Despite the setbacks, Rosen has found a new path. During a recent game between the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens, NBC announcer Mike Tirico revealed that Rosen is now enrolled in the Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania. This prestigious institution was founded by his great-great-great-grandfather, Joseph Wharton, and Rosen’s decision to pursue education over football shows his resilience and adaptability.
The 2018 quarterback class’s success is remarkable. Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Baker Mayfield, and Sam Darnold each had incredible seasons, leading their teams to significant victories. They collectively won 49 regular-season games, with only Allen throwing for less than 4,000 yards. Their performances have not only made headlines but also set a high bar for future quarterback classes.
The five quarterbacks selected in the first round of the 2018 draft is the joint-second highest ever, tied with 1999 and 2021, trailing only 1983 and 2024, which saw six quarterbacks chosen. This statistic underscores the depth of talent in the 2018 class and raises questions about what could have been if Rosen had lived up to the hype.
Rosen’s story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the NFL. One moment, a player can be celebrated as the next big thing, and the next, they find themselves searching for new opportunities outside of football. While the other quarterbacks from the 2018 draft continue to make their mark in the league, Rosen’s journey has taken a different route, highlighting the challenges and realities of professional sports.
As fans, we can only wonder what the future holds for Josh Rosen. Will he carve out a successful career in business, or will he find a way back to the NFL? Only time will tell. For now, he stands as a testament to the highs and lows of being an NFL quarterback, reminding us that every player has their own unique journey, filled with triumphs and setbacks.
The 2018 quarterback class will be remembered for its incredible talent and achievements, but it also serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sport we love.
