Darnold defends not throwing at combine: 'Best decision for me'

Sam Darnold is one of a handful of players in contention to be taken No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Browns come April, but the quarterback prospect opted against showing off his arm at the NFL combine on Saturday.

The former USC standout will perform the other drills but said he preferred to let his film speak for itself and use the much more scripted Pro Day to impress scouts.

"I just felt it was the best decision for me," Darnold said, according to Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk. "Obviously, I'm going to throw at my Pro Day. I think that's a good opportunity for teams to be able to look at how I can spin it. I'm going to be throwing to guys I've played with. I think given all the information I had, I thought that was the best decision."

Darnold is fighting with Josh Rosen to be the first quarterback selected, and while some have criticized his decision to not throw, it's unlikely to affect his draft stock.