The New York Jets selected QB Sam Darnold from USC in the first round of 2018 NFL Draft. Rather unexpectedly, Darnold, who was considered as the top QB in the Draft by most experts, fell to the Gang Green after the Browns picked QB Baker Mayfield at #1 overall.
Darnold, 6'3", 221 lbs, became the highest drafted QB by the Jets since they drafted Joe Namath at #1 in 1965. In his last NCAA season Darnold passed for 4,143 yards, 26 TD, 13 INT. He was named MVP of the Pac-12 Conference Championship win over Stanford. In the Cotton Bowl, however, Darnold had 3 turnovers, including a pick six.
He is a naturally accurate passer with great poise and pocked presence. He has a pretty strong arm and reasonably mobile. His ball security and turnovers, however, are a big concern.
Darnold also became second Jets quarterback selection in recent memory who they traded up for. The first one, as we all remember, was Mark Sanchez, also from USC.