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UCLA Football: Is Josh Rosen a sure-fire franchise quarterback?

By Matty Breisch

October 1, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) avoids a tackle against Arizona Wildcats linebacker Cody Ippolito during the first half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
October 1, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) avoids a tackle against Arizona Wildcats linebacker Cody Ippolito during the first half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Final Thoughts

Josh Rosen is a throwback player.

In an age of spread offenses with option quarterbacks, Rosen is an old school pocket passer, but with a modern twist.

Josh is an incredibly smart player who understands the ins and outs of being a quarterback, and has shown the ability to operate out of multiple offensive formations with ease. He is one of the few quarterbacks in college football who has the freedom and understanding to read an opposing team’s defensive alignment and make changes to the play at the line of scrimmage.

Rosen also has a strong arm, poise in the pocket, and and exudes an air of confidence that inspires the players around him. While some QBs may shy away from throwing the ball deep for fear of throwing an interception, Rosen instead trusts his arm and his eyes, and airs the ball out frequently. While he does end up throwing his fair share of interceptions, throwing 16 in 19 games, Rosen does not get discouraged and remains aggressive on subsequent drives.

While teams will want Josh to bulk up at the pro level to help him survive the relentless assault that is the NFL, the biggest red flag teams will have to overcome with Rosen is his off the field concerns.

Related Story: Michigan State Football: Is Pat Narduzzi Mark Dantonio’s heir apparent?

Scouts have already started to classify Rosen as “entitled” and fear that his outbursts online and off the field could hinder his success on the field. Rosen has already stated in an interview early in his UCLA career that he views football as a means to an end, which could also cause coaching staffs to fear his commitment to the game and becoming great.

Additionally there have been concerns that Rosen’s ego can get in the way of his coachability. At a 2014 quarterback camp, Rosen clashed with instructor Trent Dilfer after taking liberties with the playbook.

If Rosen can remain focused on football he very well could be the best quarterback in this draft class. He is athletic in a Derek Carr way, and like Carr, his experience in college will allow him to become a starter early in his professional career.  Josh has played in multiple offensive schemes and scouts will know exactly what they are getting on the field based on his game film.

Rosen’s off the field concerns however could be a red flag for some NFL teams. After watching former first-round picks like Johnny Manziel have pro careers get derailed by off the field issues, a player like Rosen may scare away teams that lack strong locker room culture.

Next: Is USC's Sam Darnold a sure-fire franchise quarterback?

Simply put, while Josh Rosen may be a risk he is a gamble worth taking.

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