5 breakout stars to watch for New York Jets in 2020

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 22: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets in against the Pittsburgh Steelers at MetLife Stadium on December 22, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets defeated the Steelers 16-10. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

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ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 29: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets looks to pass during the first quarter of an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /

1. QB Sam Darnold

The talent is certainly there and perhaps the third season could wind up being the charm for the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Quarterback Sam Darnold appears to be on the cusp of some big things after two years which have had their ups and downs for assorted reasons.

The former USC signal-caller has played and started a combined 26 games during his brief pro career. There have been 36 touchdown passes and 33 turnovers. Both of his campaigns were interrupted by either injury or illness. But a closer look at 2019 shows that Darnold was playing solid football not long after he returned to the field after a bout with mononucleosis.

During the Jets’ 6-2 finish (after a 1-7 start), the young quarterback threw for 13 scores and only four interceptions. In his first five appearances of the season, Darnold came up with six TD passes and was picked off nine times.

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Darnold prepares for Year No. 2 in Adam Gase’s system. General manager Joe Douglas has spent the offseason bolstering the offensive line while wide receiver Breshad Perriman is the team’s new deep threat. If he can stay on the field, it could be a big year for the 22-year-old hurler.

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