Super Bowl LX: Redrafting the 2018 & 2024 NFL Draft Classes

Super Bowl LX Features a Unique Quarterback Storyline

Super Bowl LX, set to be played in the coming days, presents a compelling narrative centered around the quarterbacks of the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots. Both Sam Darnold and Drake Maye were selected third overall in their respective NFL drafts, a rare occurrence that highlights the unpredictable nature of player development and team building in professional football.

Darnold, drafted by the New York Jets in 2018, initially faced high expectations as a potential franchise savior. However, his path to Super Bowl contention was far from direct. After several seasons with the Jets and subsequent stints with other teams, he found success with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, leading them to a 14-win season. He continued his strong play in 2025, now with the Seahawks, securing their place in the championship game. This journey underscores the importance of “fit” within an organization, as Darnold’s success didn’t materialize until finding the right environment.

Maye’s trajectory has been more conventional. Drafted by the Patriots in 2024, he showed promise as a rookie and blossomed into a legitimate MVP candidate in his second season. The Patriots’ success is attributed not only to Maye’s talent but also to the strong coaching staff led by Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. This demonstrates that a talented quarterback needs a supportive system to reach their full potential.

Redrafting the 2018 NFL Draft

With the Super Bowl approaching, a re-draft of the 2018 and 2024 NFL Draft classes offers a fascinating perspective on how teams might evaluate players with the benefit of hindsight. The exercise assumes all players are available as free agents and considers their performance to date, while adhering to the original draft order and preventing teams from re-selecting their initial picks.

2018 NFL Draft Redraft

1. Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming (Originally Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns): Allen’s emergence as a league MVP and consistent playoff performer makes him the clear top pick. His impact on the Buffalo Bills has been transformative.

2. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville (Originally Saquon Barkley, New York Giants): Jackson, another former MVP, would have significantly altered the Giants’ fortunes, a team that has struggled to find consistent quarterback play since 2018.

3. Fred Warner, LB, BYU (Originally Sam Darnold, New York Jets): While Darnold’s story is compelling, Warner’s consistent excellence at linebacker makes him the more valuable pick. He has become one of the league’s premier defensive players.

4. Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabama (Originally Denzel Ward, Cleveland Browns): Fitzpatrick’s versatility and playmaking ability would have been a significant upgrade to the Browns’ secondary.

5. Sam Darnold, QB, USC (Originally Bradley Chubb, Denver Broncos): The Broncos have struggled to find a long-term solution at quarterback since 2018, making Darnold a logical choice here.

6. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma (Originally Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis Colts): Mayfield’s eventual success elsewhere highlights the importance of finding the right fit. He would have provided stability to the Colts’ quarterback position, which has been in flux since Andrew Luck’s retirement.

7. Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State (Originally Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills): The Bills’ need for a reliable running game makes Barkley a valuable addition, even with their success at quarterback.

8. Quenton Nelson, OL, Notre Dame (Originally Roquan Smith, Chicago Bears): Nelson’s dominance on the offensive line would have provided a significant boost to the Bears’ running game and pass protection.

9. Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia (Originally Mike McGlinchey, San Francisco 49ers): Smith’s tackling ability and coverage skills would have been a valuable asset to the 49ers’ defense.

10. Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia (Originally Josh Rosen, Arizona Cardinals): Chubb’s consistent rushing performance would have provided a much-needed boost to the Cardinals’ offense.

Redrafting the 2024 NFL Draft

1. Drake Maye, QB, UNC (Originally Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears): Maye’s rapid development and MVP-caliber play make him the clear top pick in a re-draft.

2. Caleb Williams, QB, USC (Originally Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders): Williams’ potential remains high and he would have been a valuable addition to the Commanders’ quarterback room.

3. Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU (Originally Drake Maye, New England Patriots): Daniels’ dual-threat ability would have provided a dynamic element to the Patriots’ offense.

4. Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State (Originally Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona Cardinals): Verse’s pass-rushing skills would have been a valuable addition to the Cardinals’ defense.

5. Malik Nabers, WR, LSU (Originally Joe Alt, Los Angeles Chargers): Nabers’ playmaking ability would have provided a significant boost to the Chargers’ receiving corps.

6. Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame (Originally Malik Nabers, New York Giants): Alt’s pass protection skills would have been a valuable asset to the Giants’ offensive line.

7. Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia (Originally JC Latham, Tennessee Titans): Bowers’ receiving ability would have provided a versatile weapon for the Titans’ offense.

8. Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo (Originally Marvin Harrison Jr., Atlanta Falcons): Mitchell’s coverage skills would have been a valuable addition to the Falcons’ secondary.

9. JC Latham, OT, Alabama (Originally Rome Odunze, Chicago Bears): Latham’s run-blocking ability would have provided a boost to the Bears’ running game.

10. Bo Nix, QB, Oregon (Originally J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings): Nix’s accuracy and decision-making would have provided a stable option at quarterback for the Vikings.

Super Bowl LX promises to be a captivating contest, not only for the championship at stake but also for the compelling quarterback storylines of Sam Darnold and Drake Maye. Their journeys to the Super Bowl highlight the unpredictable nature of the NFL and the importance of both talent and opportunity.