5 players on the cusp of NFL Draft bust status in 2022 season

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Jan 9, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA;Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) runs out of the pocket as Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches (56) pressures during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Possible NFL Draft bust no. 2: Sam Darnold, QB, Carolina Panthers

player. Scouting Report. Panthers. Sam Darnold. 87. Pick Analysis. QB. 2

2018 NFL Draft
1st round (3rd overall)
50 games
59.8 completion percentage
54 touchdowns
52 interceptions
29 fumbles

We’re getting really, really close to Sam Darnold achieving the NFL Draft “bust” label, and it’s really unfortunate.

It’s impossible to say he’s been put in the greatest of situations, but Darnold hasn’t been able to get out of his own way, either.

He showed outstanding talent when he was at USC, but always has had an issue with turning the ball over.

He’s had stretches of play as an NFL player that caused plenty of people to believe that he could still be a franchise QB, but it looks like there’s very little sand left in that timer.

Darnold now has competition in the form of his 2018 NFL Draft classmate Baker Mayfield.

Mayfield should be expected to start at this particular point in time, even though the Panthers are pitching this as a true competition.

Darnold is still just barely 25 years old. He has plenty of time to turn things around, but we also have 50 games to evaluate over the last four years.

In the eyes of many, he may already be an NFL Draft bust.

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