2018 NFL Draft: Is Sam Darnold still a No. 1 pick?

After a frustrating start to the 2017 NCAA season, is USC quarterback Sam Darnold still worthy of being chosen first overall in the 2018 NFL Draft?

What’s going on with USC quarterback Sam Darnold? The 6-4 passer broke out in 2016 for the Trojans and many thought that he would be the sure-fire No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Then the 2017 season started and the redshirt sophomore has had more struggles thus far than he did all of last season.

After five games, Darnold has seen his completion percentage drop from a year ago and already has eight interceptions after throwing just nine in 10 games as a redshirt freshman starter. On Friday night, he had arguably his worst night to date as he completed just 15-of-19 passes for 164 yards with no touchdowns. He had an interception and a fumble as well in the loss against Washington State, though he did rush for two scores.

So, do those struggles and last night’s poor performance means that he’s no longer a No. 1 pick, right?

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Not so fast. As is usually the case when a good player in a dependent sport like football struggles, not all the blame is on Darnold. The young signal-caller entered his latest game without left tackle Toa Lobendahn, which hurts any quarterback who has to worry about his blind side. As the game went on, things got worse.

Right tackle Chuma Edoga left the game on just the third offensive possession for USC — and it didn’t look pretty for him as he was helped off the field. Right guard Viane Talamaivao followed with a shoulder injury, which made things even harder on Darnold — who is also playing with a rag-tag team of wide receivers. Wideout Steven Mitchell was not there Friday night as he dealt with a groin injury and starting tight end Daniel Imatorbhebhe, who is dealing with a hip issue, also missed the game.

Jalen Greene was added to the pile as well as Darnold lost his other starting receiver at halftime Friday. The missing pass catchers and season-long injury drama on the line have a lot to do with the fact that Darnold has been sacked nine times in five games after being taken down just 12 times all of last year.

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So while the poor play of Darnold can be used as a stark reminder that he won’t join a poor team like the New York Jets and fix all their woes, it also isn’t fair to simply write him off after just five games as a sophomore. Let’s wait to see if the players around him can get healthy and improve.

If so, Darnold should also see his play get back to the level he showed during his breakout campaign when he had more talent around him than he does now. If everyone around him gets healthy, and he still struggles — then let’s talk about his draft status.