Most Valuable Quarterback

(via USA Today)

By Constantine Martin

Twitter: @gusmartin321

With NFL training camp fast approaching, veterans and rookies alike are getting ready to earn the favor of their respective NFL teams. Certain players, specifically high draft picks, are coming into camp with expectations and the opportunity to prove that they are ready to compete at the next level.

Five quarterbacks were selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, all of who are in different stages both with the prosperity of their organizations and their on-field development. 

These five potential franchise saviors are all unique, so lets look at what each of them should be looking to prove and work on in their first NFL training camp.

1. Baker Mayfield

The Cleveland Browns, forever in search of a star quarterback, selected Mayfield with the first overall pick in this year's draft. Unlike in previous years though, the Browns are not placing all their hopes on one man.

The team brought in veteran Tyrod Taylor and plans to go with him as the starting quarterback heading into the 2018 season. This move surprised fans since Mayfield was touted as the most NFL ready of his quarterback class, but it seems Cleveland doesn't want to throw their potential franchise player into the fire too quickly.

This is the smart move for the Browns, as they now have taken the pressure off of Mayfield heading into training camp and can give him enough time to learn the system and get acclimated to the pros. For Mayfield, he should focus on adapting to the speed and size of NFL players, earning the support of his teammates and figuring out how he can easily translate his efficiency and accuracy from the college game to the big leagues.

Mayfield most likely will not see the field much in his rookie season barring an injury to Taylor, but if he focuses on preparation in camp and can be ready to step in at a moments notice, then he should be able to handle his backup job with ease.

2. Sam Darnold

New York Jets fans have also seen some dark days in recent years, so they're hoping third overall pick Darnold will be the start of a better future for the franchise.

Darnold is coming into camp behind two established NFL QB's in Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater, so like Mayfield, Darnold won't be thrust into the starting role right away.

Darnold has been compared to NFL great Brett Favre because of his rocket arm and tendency to throw interceptions, so his biggest focus in training camp should be his decision making.

If Darnold proves to his team that he is trustworthy to start by mid-season or so, then there is a possibility that he could play and hopefully get some good experience under his belt. The Jets, like the Browns, are not going to rush him to play before he is more polished as a decision maker and as a leader, so expect Darnold to learn the intricacies of the NFL in camp and at least for the first half of this season.

3. Josh Allen

Allen is the most likely to begin the season as starting quarterback out of the five QB's taken in the first round, even though he may be the biggest boom-or-bust guy of the bunch.

The Buffalo Bills traded away their proven starter Tyrod Taylor, so now Allen only has the small challenge of beating out previous backups A.J. McCarron and Nathan Peterman.

Allen has to go into camp looking to learn as much as possible or he's going to look bad in his first year. He is seen as a prospect with a cannon of an arm and great size, but is erratic with his accuracy and decision making, which will prove troublesome for the Bills is he's under center for the majority of the season.

Allen should look to learn the playbook inside and out, develop a rapport with his offensive teammates and refine his accuracy and throwing mechanics so that he can be at least decent and not lose all his confidence if his rookie season goes poorly. 

4. Josh Rosen

Rosen has talked the most trash since being selected 10th by the Arizona Cardinals, but the opportunity to back it up may not come right away.

Rosen is seen as possibly the most refined and natural passer of these quarterbacks, but his size and durability are a concern, much like the projected starter for Arizona, Sam Bradford.

With Bradford always being an injury risk, Rosen will have to be ready to man the helm from week one, assuming he can beat out backup Mike Glennon. In camp, Rosen will not only need to prove to his teammates that he's not the self-centered guy he's been made out to be, but also prepare as if he's going to be the starter.

Hopefully Rosen has been in the weight room bulking up for the NFL jump, and if he can keep his attitude in check and prepare to the fullest, then I'd give him the highest probability of success in his rookie season if he sees the field. 

5. Lamar Jackson

This former Heisman Trophy winner was the last pick of the first round by the Baltimore Ravens, and should be on a mission to prove his worth as an NFL QB after some suggested that he should change positions.

I believe Jackson is fully capable of playing quarterback at high level in the NFL, but he has to put on some muscle and take his passing skills to the next level in order to do so. The biggest knock on him has been his ability to stand in the pocket and make throws instead of relying so heavily on his legs. This will take time to adjust, but it seems Jackson has to tools and work ethic to make it happen.

Jackson probably won't see much of the field next season with long time Ravens starter Joe Flacco still trucking along, but if Jackson can succeed in specific situations and learn how to run an NFL offense while observing on the sideline, then I think he can produce well when Flacco's time in Baltimore finally runs out.