New York Jets training camp: 3 Players with most to prove

1. Sam Darnold, Quarterback

As much as the Jets need players all over the field to step up, their most important player is clearly Sam Darnold. The USC product entered the 2018 NFL Draft expecting to be the first overall pick. That didn’t happen as the Cleveland Browns decided to use that selection on Baker Mayfield out of Oklahoma.

Darnold struggled in his first season under center, completing just 57.7 percent of his passes on the season for 2,865 yards. He was also tied for second in the NFL with 15 interceptions despite missing three games on the season and finished with just two more touchdown passes on the season (17) than picks.

Most alarming though, was clearly the record. Darnold finished his rookie campaign with a mark of 4-9. While wins and losses goes well beyond the quarterback, they’re the ones who ultimately get the record attached to their names.

Heading into this season, Darnold needs to take the next step as a leader. He showed flashes during the season of being a good pro, but he also reminded us all that he was really raw. At USC, he started just two seasons which put him behind the eight ball in terms of experience.

This isn’t to say he can’t have success in the NFL, but he clearly didn’t have the amount of reps under center of someone such as Mayfield, who was a four-year starter in the NCAA.

All that being said, Darnold will enter camp with all eyes on him. The success, or failure, of the Jets season will rest on his shoulders and fans, as well as media members, will be watching him to see if he’s capable of handling that responsibility.