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New York Jets: Pros and cons of 2018 NFL Draft target Sam Darnold

By Stephen Smith

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 29: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans looks to throw against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half of the 82nd Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic between USC and Ohio State at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 29: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans looks to throw against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half of the 82nd Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic between USC and Ohio State at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /
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The New York Jets own the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Here we analyze a prospect they may have the opportunity to select, quarterback Sam Darnold of USC.

The New York Jets have made some strong additions to their roster via free agency and now they own the third overall pick in next month’s NFL Draft after making a trade with the Indianapolis Colts. They’re now in prime position to select an elite quarterback prospect. After giving up so much draft capital in that blockbuster deal, Gang Green must come away with their franchise signal-caller.

One hot quarterback prospect that might be available when New York is on the clock is Sam Darnold of USC. The 6-3, 220-pounder was a first-team All-Pac-12 selection as a sophomore in 2017 when he threw for 4,143 yards, 26 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Darnold completed 63 percent of his passes in leading the Trojans to the Pac-12 title last year.

Last season was a little bit of a disappointment for Darnold but his ceiling remains very high and many experts consider him to be the top quarterback prospect in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Let’s take a peek at some of his highlights via YouTube:

PROS: The Capistrano Beach, CA native has all the attributes to be a perennial Pro Bowl player. He reminds me of a young Andrew Luck (without the injured shoulder). Darnold can make all the throws that a top-notch signal-caller on the NFL level needs to make: fade, slant, post — you name it, he can toss it. His arm is strong, accurate and has a nice touch on the ball. Darnold throws very well on the run and he stands up quite superbly in the face of the blitz. He moves his feet well when the pocket collapses and he’s able to find a clear throwing lane.

Although he is not blessed with good speed, Darnold is an effective scrambler and can turn a third-and-nine situation into a first down. He’s also known as an intelligent player with fine leadership skills. Darnold has very good size for a NFL quarterback and is pretty adept at going through his reads quickly. He’s gritty and composed in the pocket and is a fine athlete.

CONS: There are not many. No quarterback is perfect (yes, not even Tom Brady) and Darnold has some flaws as well. He turns the ball over way too frequently — a definite red flag. In addition to his 13 picks last season, Darnold had nine lost fumbles. Over his last 20 games he threw 20 interceptions. That has to improve moving forward. He has to dramatically improve his ball security issues on the next level.

Darnold also has a rather long release which could lead to defenders getting an early jump on his throws. That should be able to be corrected to some degree with strong coaching on the pro level. It could take some time to make that adjustment because it’s not a natural process for him.

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

BOTTOM LINE: The Jets would be ecstatic if Darnold was available with the third overall pick. Thrilled. He is considered by some experts to be the premier quarterback prospect in this year’s draft. He has all the attributes necessary to be an All-Pro signal-caller. Once he takes better care of the football, the sky will be the limit for him. If the Jets draft Darnold, they will finally have their first young franchise quarterback since the days of Joe Namath. It’s been a long 50 years.

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