NFL Mock Draft 2018: Complete first round after Week 10

Finally, we have the first quarterback chosen in our 2018 mock. Are you surprised to see Sam Darnold picked before guys like Josh Rosen, Josh Allen, Mason Rudolph, Lamar Jackson, Luke Falk and Baker Mayfield? Well, you shouldn’t be.

Darnold was considered the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy before the season began, but he’s had an up-and-down year, dealing with the hype of being the nation’s best quarterback prospect. He has been able to handle it relatively well, despite USC being essentially knocked from the playoff race with two losses in the first eight games.

The Giants will soon need a replacement for Eli Manning. The 36-year-old quarterback hasn’t been quite effective since his Super Bowl years and he’s likely close to retirement. It’d be wise to pick a quarterback to groom under Manning until he does decide to hang it up.

Darnold is a fairly accurate passer who has seen his completion percentage drop four points this season compared to last and has 22 touchdowns to 11 interceptions with 2,869 yards. Rumor has it he may avoid the draft this year if Cleveland were to be the favorite to land him, but he could excel in New York — not so much with the bright lights, though, as he’s relatively low-key.