NFL quarterback power rankings: Patrick Mahomes takes No. 1

NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 30: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts prepares to throw a pass against the Tennessee Titans for a touchdown during the first quarter at Nissan Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 30: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets throws during the first quarter of a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /

26. Sam Darnold, New York Jets

The New York Jets landed Sam Darnold after he slipped by the New York Giants during the 2018 NFL Draft. Former general manager Mike Maccagnan traded up to position the team to land one of the young, promising quarterbacks from that draft class.

Maccagnan’s move worked, as Darnold appears to be the franchise savior the Jets have been looking for at the quarterback position for decades. He may have gone 4-9, but he threw for 2,865 yards and 17 scores in 13 games.

Darnold went through the rookie blues through his first nine games of the season. During that stretch, he completed just over 55 percent of his throws for 1,934 yards for 11 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.

The rookie then went down with an injury and missed Week 10 through Week 12. When he came back, he flashed that potential he has big time. From Week 13 to Week 16, he completed 64 percent of his throws for 931 yards with six scores and one pick.

Darnold is ranked higher than the likes of Rosen, Allen and Jackson because other than Baker Mayfield, he appeared to be the most polished rookie signal caller last year. Also, other than Mayfield once again, he has been surrounded by more weapons than those other three named above.

If those final four weeks are a sign, then Darnold may be primed for a big step in his second season.

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