During the run up to the 2017 NFL Draft, I heard several of my colleagues suggest that teams in need of a franchise quarterback should consider bypassing the top prospects in a "weak" quarterback class this year and focus on landing one of the crown jewels from a so-called "loaded" 2018 quarterback class.

While I thought such conversation dismissed the talent and potential of the likes of Mitchell Trubisky, Deshaun Watson, Patrick Mahomes and others at the position, I had heard so much about the next wave at the position that I couldn't wait to take a peek at the group when the draft concluded.

In fact, I was so excited about evaluating the next generation of field generals that I popped in some tape over the weekend to get a feel for this collection of quarterbacks that I had heard so much about throughout the offseason. After spending the weekend looking at the top prospects at the position, I would tell anyone within earshot to pump the brakes on the hype train that's making this collection of quarterbacks out to be game-changers at the position.

Now, that's not a complete dismissal of the long-term potential of the quarterback prospects in the upcoming class, but I believe the same questions and concerns that plagued the 2017 group can be applied to those who could be in the 2018 class. Whether it's concerns about their transition from a spread offense to a pro-style scheme or their overall experience and game-management abilities, the top prospects at the position have just as many warts on their respective games as their predecessors. There isn't a sure-fire franchise quarterback in the group and any suggestion otherwise is based on hype, not evaluation.

For instance, USC's Sam Darnold has been touted as the consensus choice as the top quarterback prospect heading into the fall. Observers have suggested that he has the best combination of size, arm talent, athleticism and intangibles that we've seen at the position in years. While the 6-foot-4, 225-pound playmaker certainly posted impressive production and flashed outstanding potential during his 10-game run last season as the team's starting quarterback, he isn't quite a polished passer who's ready to take the NFL by storm.

Sure, he compiled a strong completion rate (67.2 percent) and touchdown-to-interception ratio (31:9) last season, but he played in a catch-and-fire system similar to the schemes that were run by Trubisky and Davis Webb. The Trojans' offense features a number of quicks, screens, RPOs (run-pass options) and mesh concepts (layered crossing routes) that are staples in most spread or Air Raid systems. Thus, Darnold will need time to transition to the pro game, just like his predecessors.

He will also need to refine his footwork and fundamentals to become a more efficient passer from the pocket and show better deep-ball accuracy when he pushes the ball down the field. With Darnold showing a little recklessness with the ball, it's quite possible that his interception totals will swell during his second season as a starter (see the reports of his interceptions during spring ball).

I see why scouts are excited about Darnold's potential. He's a gritty competitor with big-game moxie and he's capable of shredding opponents as an anticipatory thrower. However, he isn't the finished product that some would have you believe. Thus, we should hold off on crowning him the NFL's next great quarterback.

The same could be said for UCLA's Josh Rosen. The 6-4, 218-pound junior is everything that coaches and scouts covet in a traditional pocket passer. Rosen can make every throw in the book with pinpoint placement and accuracy while also showing a feathery touch.

As a freshman in 2015, he wowed evaluators with his ability move defenders with his eyes before throwing receivers open between the numbers. Rosen played like a savvy veteran at the position and exhibited the qualities (arm talent, accuracy, poise and sound judgement) that most desire at the position. Yet, he enters the 2017 season with concerns about his arm strength/talent following a shoulder injury that prematurely ended his sophomore season (missed the Bruins' final six games, underwent shoulder surgery in November). In addition, scouts have concerns about his prickly personality and leadership skills based on interactions with teammates and coaches during his tenure.

Considering how medical issues and character concerns can affect final draft grades, Rosen also has a lot to prove before earning a franchise quarterback label.

Wyoming's Josh Allen has been touted as the biggest wild card of the group based on his A-plus arm talent, gunslinger mentality and experience directing a pro-style offense that produced a quality QB prospect a few years ago (see Carson Wentz).

Measuring 6-5, 222 pounds, Allen is the big, athletic quarterback that coaches and scouts salivate over during the pre-draft process. As a fastball pitcher with unlimited range and outstanding velocity, he can make tight-window throws without flinching. While some of those throws skew toward the "high-risk, high-reward" nature, the Cowboys' QB1 possesses the arm talent to pull it off in most instances. While that is certainly a positive aspect of his game, particularly in dire situations, Allen's tendency to "throw it up" without regard is also a huge concern. He tallied 15 interceptions during his first season as a starter, including seven picks during the team's final five games (1-4 record), which contributed to their late-season slide. Remember how much we discussed Watson's interception totals and Mahomes' gunslinging ways leading up to the draft this spring?

Allen also struggles with his accuracy and ball placement at times, as evidenced by his 56-percent completion rate, so the Wyoming gunslinger isn't the connect-the-dots passer that some teams prefer at the position. Although he still has time to refine his passing skills and master the management part of the game, Allen is more potential than production at this point.

With the other top prospects in college football (Washington State's Luke Falk, Oklahoma State's Mason Rudolph, Louisville's Lamar Jackson, Idaho's Matt Linehan, Pittsburgh's Max Browne and Auburn's Jarrett Stidham) also having a number of warts on their games, I think the next wave of QBs might not be the collection of crown jewels that I expected based on the hype. Let's see if that opinion changes after they take the field this fall.

Editor's note: NFL.com analyst and former NFL scout Daniel Jeremiah takes a "first look" at college football's top players for 2017. This is the first in a series of scouting reports that will run throughout the offseason.

I love this time of the year. After a respite following the 2017 NFL Draft, it's time for me to start watching some tape on next year's top college football players. I've peeked at several of these top players while studying their teammates or opponents leading up to this year's draft, but this is the first time I'm truly putting them under the microscope and taking notes on their play. The first player up for this year's First Look series: USC QB Sam Darnold, who's already generating plenty of buzz in NFL circles.


Sam Darnold, redshirt sophomore QB, USC

Height, weight: 6-foot-4, 225 pounds (school measurements)

2016 statistics: 246-of-366 (67.2 percent) for 3,086 yards, 31 TDs, and 9 INTs

Game tape watched: Utah (Sept. 23, 2016), Colorado (Oct. 8, 2016), Washington (Nov. 12, 2016), every pass attempt on third down with 6 or more yards to go (I also saw him play live vs. Penn State in the Rose Bowl).

What I liked: Darnold has an ideal blend of size, arm strength and playmaking ability. USC's offense has its share of bubble screens, but I've seen Darnold read the entire field, anticipate windows and fit balls into tight spots. He's an explosive thrower. He generates a lot of torque from his hips and the ball jumps out of his hand. He has also shown the ability to throw with a deft touch in the red zone (see touchdown vs Washington). His ball placement has been impressive at all three levels. His overall decision making has been excellent for an inexperienced passer and he avoids taking unnecessary sacks.

His ability to avoid pressure, extend plays and keep his eyes downfield generated a lot of big plays in the games I studied. I love his no-flinch attitude in pressure situations (see Rose Bowl) and his even-keeled personality is a good fit for the position.

Where he needs to improve: Much will be made about Darnold's long delivery. I'm not quite as worried about it as some other evaluators. I've seen him tighten it up when bodies are around him, and while I do agree it's a long release, it isn't monotone or sluggish like Byron Leftwich's. Russell Wilson has a similar release. Wilson drops the ball down below his waist but it's an explosive movement and the ball comes out quick. It's much the same for the USC QB.

Darnold needs to improve his ball security as a runner and when he extends plays. He can get careless at times (see Colorado game). His overall ball placement has been very good but he did miss a few deep balls earlier in the season. He should continue to improve in this area with more playing time.

Biggest takeaway: I don't want to get carried away with one season of production, but Darnold is a special talent. He has a lot of similarities to Andrew Luck when Luck was at Stanford. They have a similar frame and athleticism. They both seem to be at their best in crucial situations. I know one Pac-12 coach (Jim Mora) has compared Darnold to Tony Romo and I do see some of that, as well. They both have tremendous poise and their natural instincts take over when the called play breaks down.

I can't wait to see him play ... Stanford on Sept. 9. The Trojans will be the talk of the Pac-12 entering the 2017 campaign, but Stanford is coming off a 10-win season and returns a lot of talent on the defensive side of the ball. Darnold didn't start against the Cardinal last fall, and I'm anxious to see how he performs against one of the top secondaries in college football.

This season is being billed as the year of the quarterback in college football. There are two premier passers in Southern California (USC's Sam Darnold and UCLA's Josh Rosen) and the reigning Heisman Trophy winner (Louisville's Lamar Jackson) should continue to produce electrifying performances. However, there's a quarterback in the Mountain West Conference who could emerge as the best of the bunch. Here's my scouting report on Wyoming QB Josh Allen:

Josh Allen, junior quarterback, Wyoming

Height, weight: 6-foot-5, 233 pounds (school measurements)

2016 statistics: 209-of-373 (56 percent) for 3,203 yards, 28 TDs and 15 INTs; 142 rushes for 523 yards (3.7 average), 7 TDs.

Game tape watched: Nebraska (Sept. 10, 2016), Eastern Michigan (Sept. 23, 2016), Boise State (Oct. 29, 2016), every pass attempt on third down with 6 or more yards to go from 2016 season (I also saw him play live vs. BYU in the Poinsettia Bowl).

What I liked: Allen has incredible physical tools. He has Joe Flacco's frame/arm strength and he's more athletic than Carson Wentz. Speaking of Wentz, Allen is playing in the same college system that Wentz did, and that's a big plus. He spends a lot of time under center and this isn't a dink and dunk spread attack. He has quick feet in his drop and can easily drive the ball into tight windows down the field. He has a quick, explosive release. He doesn't need a lot of space in order to generate velocity.

Allen makes some incredible throws while on the move (see TD vs. Nebraska) and he's a very effective ball carrier. He can make the free rusher miss and he has a nice blend of speed and power on designed quarterback runs. He is ultra competitive and will fight for extra yards.

Where he needs to improve: Allen needs to be more efficient and display more touch in 2017. I love his aggressive nature, but he forces too many balls and needs to learn to take some easy completions underneath. He needs to sacrifice some velocity and improve ball placement in the quick passing game.

I love Allen's pace away from center, but he needs to work on settling his feet at the top of his drop. This will help his overall accuracy. He will bail out of a clean pocket at times. However, he improved in this area as the 2016 season progressed.

Biggest takeaway: College football is loaded with talented signal-callers, but Allen has the highest ceiling of the entire group. I struggle to come up with a good player comparison for him. He's way ahead of Chiefs first-round pick Patrick Mahomes from a development standpoint and I think he has a much higher upside. I think he's a more athletic version of Flacco. At this point in time, he's more comfortable on drive throws than touch throws. If he can develop his touch and play more efficiently, he will establish himself as the top quarterback in college football.

I can't wait to see him play ... at Iowa on Sept. 2. Allen fell apart against Nebraska last fall, but I expect him to elevate his play against the Hawkeyes. He lost his poise vs. the Huskers, but after talking to him, I know he learned his lesson. If he torches Iowa, the Allen hype train will really start to gather steam.

Here’s how one AFC exec described the three to me on Wednesday:

• Allen: “He has the best traits of the three—size, athletics, arm strength. He’s just raw. Picture a better version of Patrick Mahomes.”

• Darnold: “He’s accurate, and he’s only 19 years old, so you hope he’s going to get stronger. Everyone’s going to pick apart his throwing motion, but there’s not a lot he can’t do.”

• Rosen: “He’s the prettiest—gorgeous, just gorgeous. He has to find a way to prove he’s a good kid and can stay healthy and has a passion for the game. He has everything else.”

An AFC college scouting director, when assessing the three, said he likes Darnold the best of them: “He was impressive when he took over, he’s got the size, arm talent and tools that you want in a pocket passer.” He also acknowledged Allen probably has the highest ceiling. And Rosen is, in the minds of many, the guy who looks the most natural. “Every ball spins beautifully,” is how one of his coaches put it.

Which is all to say that, yes, it very much could be that kind of year where quarterbacks go 1-2-3.

But we have a long way to go before we get to next April. So the best laid plans of the Jets, and others lurking, certainly could go awry.