NFL Draft: Which rookie quarterbacks will play most in 2018?

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ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 29: USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (#14) is flushed out of the pocket during the Cotton Bowl Classic matchup between the USC Trojans and Ohio State Buckeyes on December 29, 2017, at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. Ohio State won the game 24-7. (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Sam Darnold – New York Jets

It’s a good thing for the Jets that Josh McCown is willing to help Sam Darnold succeed in the NFL. Despite McCown’s wishes to hold on to the starting job, it’s almost inevitable that Darnold will overtake him sooner rather than later.

In fact, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Darnold emerge as the Week 1 starter for the Jets. His status as the draft’s most advanced quarterback prospect combined with the mediocrity of McCown and Teddy Bridgewater. The former competitor isn’t very good and the latter is a massive injury risk.

Throwing Darnold right into the spotlight in New York might not be a great idea by the Jets, but it’s never stopped them for making a decision before. The team’s front office will hope that Darnold can succeed where fellow USC alum Mark Sanchez failed before him. In fairness, Darnold is a much more talented passer than Sanchez ever was.

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If New York can protect Darnold with some semblance of a running game he might be able to post an average stat line. That might not sound overly impressive, but it would be quite an accomplishment for the rookie quarterback. Darnold has the best chance to look like a competent signal caller from the start.

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