Heading into the 2018 NFL Draft, there is a strong expectation for a quarterback to be selected at the first overall pick by the Cleveland Browns. This will place an enormous level of expectations on the shoulders whichever player is taken at that prestigious spot.
It has a huge responsibility for the incoming talent to step into to begin their NFL career. Detroit Lions Pro Bowl quarterback Matthew Stafford has the first-hand experience being a former No.1 overall pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, which he has some strong words of advice for whoever will become this year's first overall selection, according to Dave Birkett of The Detriot Free Press.
Article Continues Below“I think that’s all you can do is just be yourself,” Stafford said Tuesday, after taking part in the Lions' offseason workout program. “Just go in there, work hard, show those guys in that locker room what you’re about. And whatever it is you’re about, it’ll come out and they’ll either accept you or they won’t and then you go play.”
Stafford has gone through the thickets of those expectations early in his career and had his fair share of struggles on the field in the process. This includes experiencing a 2-14 campaign in his first season in the league, but he has preserved to becoming recognized as one of the league's better quarterbacks that have taken the franchise to three playoff appearances.
There will be a huge weight of expectations on the shoulder of the either Wyoming's Josh Allen or USC's Sam Darnold to prove that they can lead the franchise back to prominence. It is a difficult process, especially stepping into a team has a long history of quarterbacks falling short but the opportunity will be there for either of them to prove themselves.
It all comes down to their dedication and commitment to the craft that will ultimately decide whether they have what it takes to live up those lofty expectations as a No.1 overall pick. Time will tell if either one of them has what it takes to accomplish just that.