New York Jets: 7-Round 2018 mock draft in early April

2 of 7

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 18: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans scrambles out of the pocket during the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Most people have Darnold as the lock No. 1 overall pick to the Cleveland Browns. There are two factors at play the could keep Darnold out of Cleveland. The Browns view Tyrod Taylor as the bridge quarterback. So, they can take a project quarterback. The second is that Josh Allen is built better to withstand the elements of playing an AFC North schedule.

Since typically it won’t get as cold regularly in the AFC East (due to the chance of going to Miami late in the season), the Jets won’t take size into the equation. However, arm strength will be a huge factor given the harrowing winds at MetLife Stadium in November and December. So, Sam Darnold is their selection.

He can make all the NFL throws, and throws with anticipation. He’s not a burner when it comes to running, but he’s mobile enough. There’s one thing he will have to clean up in his game, though: fumbles.

He had nine lost fumbles in 2017, and that was higher than some offenses where the quarterback was a primary runner. Other than that, he has all the tools to be an All-Pro and Pro Bowl quarterback for a decade. The Jets finally have the franchise quarterback they’ve been searching for.

Home/New York Jets