NFL Draft: Re-grading every first round pick from the 2018 NFL Draft
3. player. 30. . QB. New York Jets. Sam Darnold
NFL Draft: Re-grading every first round pick from the 2018 NFL Draft: Number 3 overall, QB Sam Darnold
It doesn’t really feel like it’s Sam Darnold’s fault. Coming out of USC, just about everyone loved what they saw out of him. He was big, strong, accurate and a winner. Those attributes made him the perfect man to turn around the moribund New York Jets franchise.
Yet, after three years of trying his very best, Darnold has failed miserably. Now admittedly, it isn’t entirely his fault. The Jets have neglected to put anything around him in terms of talent and he has been forced to run for his life for the majority of the games he’s suited up for as his offensive line has been dreadful.
With all of that considered, Darnold just hasn’t shown quality play during his career. His 15 interceptions and 17 touchdowns were troubling in year one. His Sophomore campaign was equally upsetting as he only threw 19 touchdowns while giving the ball away 13 times. His performance this past year was the straw that broke the camel’s back. He threw for a career-low 2,208 yards, 9 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. In a league where quarterbacks routinely complete 70% of their passes, Darnold’s percentage sank below 60.
The Jets officially parted ways with Darnold this offseason, sending him to the Carolina Panthers. A fresh start and much more talented receiving core should do wonders for his development but for now, he flunks our grading system.
Grade: D-