New York Jets 2018 NFL Draft Target: Sam Darnold

The New York Jets are now in prime position to land their franchise quarterback, and Sam Darnold should be a target.

The New York Jets haven’t had a franchise quarterback in a long time. Now they have the No. 3 overall pick after a trade with the Indianapolis Colts. They should have their eyes fixed on Sam Darnold. When it comes to all the things you want in a quarterback, Darnold has it all: Height, mobility, ability to make all the throws, leadership and throwing with anticipation.

Sam Darnold may be highly sought after, and moving up to No. 3 might not be high enough according to some, but he just might be there. Sam Darnold doesn’t have to have a system tailored to him like one of the top three quarterbacks does. He can fit any scheme.

There are a few issues Darnold needs to work on. Fumbling is one. He opens himself up to it by the way he carries the football when scrambling. Another thing is taking too many hits (instead of sliding) when he chooses to run. He uses too much arm rather than his legs in deep passes. He was a redshirt sophomore. So that means he’s still raw and those can be fixed over time.

Let’s face it. Darnold is as close to can’t miss as possible at the quarterback position. His floor is quality starter and his ceiling is Canton, OH.

If the Jets end up drafting him, and he stays healthy, he will make East Rutherford, NJ his home for years to come. The Jets finally have a franchise quarterback they can call their own. Darnold is a guy who you can say, “Here’s the franchise,” and put it on his back for him to carry.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Post-free agency 3 rounds

The combination of Jeremy Bates (the offensive coordinator/QB coach) and Darnold is a match made in heaven. There just might be a second Lombardi trophy in the case at One Jet Drive coming soon.