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2018 NFL Draft QB stock report – Week 6: What’s wrong with Sam Darnold?

By Conor Dorney

PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Josh Rosen #3 of the UCLA Bruins passes as Dante Wigley #4 of the Colorado Buffaloes defends during the first half of a game at the Rose Bowl on September 30, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Josh Rosen #3 of the UCLA Bruins passes as Dante Wigley #4 of the Colorado Buffaloes defends during the first half of a game at the Rose Bowl on September 30, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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PULLMAN, WA – SEPTEMBER 29: Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) escapes the sack attempt of USC Trojans defensive tackle Rasheem Green (94) during the game between the USC Trojans and the Washington State Cougars on September 29, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, WA. (Photo by Robert Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PULLMAN, WA – SEPTEMBER 29: Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) escapes the sack attempt of USC Trojans defensive tackle Rasheem Green (94) during the game between the USC Trojans and the Washington State Cougars on September 29, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, WA. (Photo by Robert Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Luke Falk

QB, Washington State

On a national stage and facing a top-five opponent, Cougars quarterback Luke Falk outshined the Trojans’ Darnold en route to one of the biggest wins in program history.

Falk was his typically-efficient self, completing 34-of-51 passes for 340 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. It was yet another outstanding performance for the senior, who has thrown for 13 touchdowns and just one interception in his last three games.

Once again, Falk displayed great accuracy on short and intermediate passes in a system that is heavily dependent on timing routes. He also showed a great deal of poise when under duress against a tough USC front seven, stepping into throws for big gains even knowing he was about to be hit. One of the biggest issues I continue to see with Falk is his ability to drive the ball down the field. It’s not something he’s asked to do much in the Cougars’ offense but it’s a necessary skill quarterbacks need in order to succeed in the NFL. Falk also has a tendency to lock in on his first read and can be too quick to dump the ball off to his safety valve in the flat before letting other routes develop.

Luke Falk is well on his way to breaking Pac-12 passing records this season but there are still several areas of his game that need improvement before he’s to be considered one of the top-tier quarterbacks in this draft class.

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