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10 most overrated NFL players going into 2020

By Rucker Haringey

Philip Rivers, Los Angeles Chargers, (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
Philip Rivers, Los Angeles Chargers, (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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Sam Darnold, New York Jets
ORCHARD PARK, NY – DECEMBER 29: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets calls a play during a game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. Jets beat the Bills 13 to 6. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /

6. Sam Darnold

Darnold’s inclusion on this list doesn’t mean he can’t develop into a high-quality NFL starter. Instead, it points out nothing he’s done during his brief professional career makes that type of progression anything close to a certainty.

In fairness to Darnold, he’s not blessed with quality coaching or surrounding talent in New York. It’s easy to write off his struggles due to those unfortunate circumstances.

On the other hand, quarterbacks with such a high draft pedigree are supposed to elevate everyone around them. There’s nothing about Darnold’s play to date that suggests he is capable of doing that. His name recognition far exceeds the value he’s given the Jets on the field to date.

That makes 2020 a make-or-break season for Darnold. If he shows real progress and keeps the Jets in the hunt for a playoff berth for any meaningful stretch of time then he can understandably be anointed as the team’s franchise quarterback. If he struggles and the Jets finish with three or four wins they may decide it’s time to spend another high draft choice on the quarterback position.

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