Jets take Darnold as new franchise QB

The New York Jets finally have their man under center.

After trading up to the third overall pick in March, the Jets selected quarterback Sam Darnold out of USC in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Darnold won't need to be rushed into the starting lineup, with Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater already in the QB room. That's ideal for Darnold, as he possesses a raw skill set and high turnover rate, and will likely need time to develop.

The 20-year-old is arguably the most talented pure passer in the draft and was the favorite to go first overall to the Browns, who took Baker Mayfield instead.

Sam Darnold Bio

Position: QB
School: USC
College Experience: Redshirt Sophomore
Height: 6-3
Weight: 220 lbs

Strengths

• Possesses near-prototypical size and arm strength for the NFL level.
• Consistently accurate on short and intermediate routes, understands how to use placement and timing to maximize yards after the catch.
• Above average pocket presence. Rarely fazed by pressure in his face and climbs the pocket well to avoid rushers.
• Shows signs of being able to read defenses at a high level. Manipulates safeties and moves through his progressions quickly.
• Throws well on the move and keeps his eyes downfield when escaping the pocket.
• A good athlete capable of evading rushers and picking up short gains on a consistent basis.

Weaknesses

• Reckless with the football. Makes unacceptable decisions in key situations - red zone and third down - and can struggle reading underneath coverages.
• Average deep-ball thrower. Needs to improve his touch and not rely solely on his arm strength.
• Elongated throwing motion a concern. Doesn't appear to affect his ability to make quick throws, like slants and screens, but could be a more significant factor against NFL-level pass-rushers.

Athletic testing