Minutes after fellow top quarterback prospect Josh Rosen announced his intentions to leave for the NFL, USC signal caller Sam Darnold has revealed that he will also declare for the 2018 NFL Draft in a video posted on his Instagram page.
Always thought of as one of the consensus top two quarterbacks in this draft class, there seemed to at least some hesitation from around the league whether the redshirt sophomore quarterback would decide to go pro after this season. While Darnold has tremendous arm talent, there was some clear holes that were exposed in his game this season, especially in his tendency to turn the ball over. The USC Trojan threw 13 interceptions in 2017, four more than in the previous season. He also was coming off a poor last effort against a talented Ohio State defense in the Cotton Bowl.
Nevertheless, Darnold is betting on himself and is set to be a top pick in about three months time. Even after a rough season, the redshirt sophomore still has great raw ability and was posting better numbers as the 2017 season wore on. Also, with the number of teams needing quarterbacks to build around, Darnold will almost assuredly be taken in the top ten picks with there being a great chance that he goes even higher than that, possibly number one to the Browns.
Cleveland has passed on taking quarterbacks in the first round in the last two drafts, but still look to be in a prime decision to take either Darnold or Rosen this April. While Rosen has been a little more unsure of the idea of going to the Browns, Darnold has stated publicly that it would “be so special” to be taken number one overall, according to Doug Lesmirises of Cleveland.com.
However, there should be no jumping to conclusions as many things could change in the months ahead regarding who will be the first quarterback selected. The important thing is that we now know teams will have a chance to draft Darnold in just a few months.
I thought for sure he should stay one more year. Think he could get better if he did but I don’t blame him.
Remember Matt Barkley at USC?
Yes I do.
Seems like he’d be perfect for the Browns
Glad he’s entering the draft – this gives an immediate opportunity for JT Daniels (incoming freshman and 2017 HSPOY) to start. Kid is a beast!
USC always says the next qb is a beast. They all end up in the nfl but never live up to expectations in college or pro… but browns should still take Darnold. At least he wants to be there unlike Rosen
Darnold & Barkley
That would be one hell of a first round
Is QB really a need in CLE? They should keep trying to build a solid team first before getting a QB given their history.
Their defense is pretty good. Could use a couple more pieces, but there’s really no one that I’ve heard of that is top 5 worthy currently. Their O-line is solid and they have some decent weapons at WR and RB. But they definitely need a QB. They don’t need to rush to start him for Week 1, they should let him sit and learn if he isn’t ready, but with a deep QB class this year they have to take one early. What the Browns should do is sign a veteran QB, keep Kizer, and draft a QB in the first round. Let the three battle it out with the veteran QB there mainly to mentor the other two guys.
Okay. I obviously don’t follow the Browns closely so I figured a winless team had more holes. This QB draft seems pretty deep in high ceiling guys that are not really nfl ready. Perfect for teams like LAC, NYG, PIT, etc with great aging qbs. Signing a solid, smart aging qb will be key if they go that route of mentorship.
Perfect Jets QB. Does just enough to keep his starting spot and throws INTs at the worst moment possible.
I didn’t think the Chargers were bad enough to justify what Eli did long ago, but the Browns sure as **** are that bad.
RUN!
Hold out. Go to the CFL. Do whatever you have to do to save your careers, kids.