New York Jets: Should Sam Darnold start in Week 1?

The New York Jets made their selection in the 2018 NFL Draft. It’s Sam Darnold, and he should start at quarterback for them come Week 1.

Some have said that Josh Rosen is the most pro-ready quarterback in the 2018 NFL Draft. Sam Darnold is undoubtedly the best in the draft, though — with the highest floor and ceiling. The New York Jets signed Josh McCown for $10 million guaranteed, and Todd Bowles has consistently stated that who ever is the best quarterback will win the job. So, it can’t be about the money.

Darnold already has a pro skill set — being able to throw with anticipation and timing. He also has the arm to hit speed guys like Robby Anderson deep, make the throws outside the numbers, and hit the receivers over the middle and give them a chance to run after the catch.

If the Jets expect Darnold to be their future the time is now. Get him the necessary reps in camp, and make him the No. 1 guy. Consider McCown and expensive insurance policy, and if he’s healthy, make Teddy Bridgewater the third string quarterback.

Will the coaching staff have to work with him on the fumbles. Absolutely. That said, the Jets will have to live with that and allow him to grow with this team from the beginning. Darnold is as good as Andrew Luck was coming out of Stanford, and Luck had 12 lost fumbles in his first three seasons in Indianapolis. You need to take the good with the bad, sometimes, if it’s going to end up leading to big things down the road.

This team had five wins last year with a banged up wide receiver/tight end group and an average quarterback. With Quincy Enunwa and Jordan Leggett back, and the combination they have in the backfield, there’s no telling what they are capable of.

Next: NFL Draft 2018: Grades for each first-round pick

Don’t let this quarterback’s talent be wasted while he’s “learning.” Let him loose and make the Patriots wish they had kept Jimmy Garoppolo.