A Sam Darnold update as we approach the NFL Scouting Combine. Plus a New York Jets Joe Namath style guarantee for the ages.
All quarterbacks in the 2018 NFL Draft are targets for the New York Jets. That, of course, includes USC quarterback Sam Darnold.
He’s my projected No. 1 pick in my #MockDraftMonday Version 1:
A brand new segment on 'Drive Time Sports' (@TheScore1260): #MockDraftMonday! After our weekly conversation w/ @ConnorJRogers me and @ozmcgee44 will break down our #Top5 today, next week we'll talk #Top10 via @EliteSportsNY! pic.twitter.com/hBsFGzTVuj
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) February 26, 2018
Obviously, he’s an impressive talent and fans of all NFL teams were maximizing the hashtag #SuckForSam last year. I have reservations about his high-turnover margins (13 interceptions last season), in an offense where that shouldn’t happen.
I also brought up this red flag with my No. 1 quarterback on my board last year… Deshaun Watson (17 interceptions in his Junior year). So anything can be overlooked, Darnold even received high praise from NFL Insider Mike Mayock (via the Jets Official Twitter account):
"When he scrambles, it's with the intent of getting the ball down the field. His eyes are always up." — @MikeMayock
? https://t.co/INMtwgjbkM pic.twitter.com/6yrsWxNM9y
— New York Jets (@nyjets) February 27, 2018
An additional note to keep in mind, Darnold will not throw at this week’s combine and will focus on athletic testing and interviews instead (instead he will throw at USC’s Pro Day on 3/21), per Adam Schefter.
While Darnold won’t be throwing at the NFL Combine is a guarantee, I have another one for you, it’s time for a guarantee a la the great Broadway Joe Namath. The Jets backfield will 100% be different in 2018. Matt Forte will not return to the team next season.
The Jets need a new bell cow offensively. Bilal Powell likely can’t handle a 300 plus carry workload and we know for sure Elijah McGuire can’t. Gang Green will have a bevy of options through the NFL Draft and free agency is loaded as well.
Will the backfield look the same in 2018?
Free agency preview: RB → https://t.co/Oq39wWHp5N pic.twitter.com/4Oqq1AS0Lk
— New York Jets (@nyjets) February 27, 2018
Other Jets News, Stories:
- ESNY’s Robby Sabo and Paul Esden Jr. unveiled a new series that puts together the perfect Jets team after free agency and the NFL Draft. On Sunday, they started with the quarterbacks.
- Jets may not get a chance at their best option (Brian Costello of the New York Post)
- 5 prospects Jets should keep an eye on at NFL Combine (Connor Rogers of FanRagSports)
