As the start of the NFL draft approaches Thursday, you will hear that 2018 may be the first time since the famed class of 1983 that six quarterbacks are chosen in the first round. This year, quarterbacks Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen, Josh Allen, and Baker Mayfield are sure to go high; quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Mason Rudolph may be first-day selections, too. And if the Cleveland Browns do not employ the first overall choice on a quarterback, their fans should grab torches and pitchforks and head to the team offices.

Several factors are at play in the coming quarterback-palozza.