NFL Draft grades: 10 first-round picks that get an A
By Joe Romano
Sam Darnold – New York Jets (Pick #3)
On draft twitter it was all but certain a week before the draft that the Cleveland Browns were going to select quarterback Sam Darnold first overall. They shocked everyone and selected Baker Mayfield. When that pick was announced the New York Jets were likely ecstatic. As much as everyone loved Mayfield (reports are surfacing that he was the top quarterback on most boards) it’s believed that Darnold has more upside. The Jets, after trading three second round picks to get there, happily picked Darnold with the third overall pick.
Some will point to fellow USC alumni Mark Sanchez as a reason to scare off Jets fans about this pick. There is no reason to feel, Darnold is not Sanchez and will be the future of the quarterback position in New York for years to come.
One of the youngest prospects in this year’s draft, Darnold’s stock rose steadily since he took over starting duties for the Trojans. He has experience on big stages and the bright lights of New York should not scare him at all. After watching the team go through quarterback after quarterback, fans will be happy to see a steady presence at the position.
Darnold has arm talent to make every throw. What truly makes him special is the ability to elongate plays and play “off-script”. That is an essential skill in today’s NFL and will be crucial playing behind a mediocre offensive line with the Jets. His high turnover rate will need to come down but offensive coordinator Jeremy BAtes will install a system of easier reads and encourage him not to play hero ball which is what got him in trouble in college. A perfect pick for a quarterback needy team and the draft’s top passer.