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USC’s Sam Darnold selected third by the New York Jets; instant reaction

By Jason Reed

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 03: USC quarterback Sam Darnold talks with Ken Zampese of the Cleveland Browns during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 3, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 03: USC quarterback Sam Darnold talks with Ken Zampese of the Cleveland Browns during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 3, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Many had USC’s Sam Darnold going first overall to the Cleveland Browns. Instead, Darnold is heading to the Big Apple to lead the New York Jets.

The New York Jets originally had the sixth overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. With a short crop of elite quarterbacks, the Jets moved up to the third overall pick, hoping to land one of the elite few. After Baker Mayfield and Saquon Barkley were selected, the Jets went with USC quarterback Sam Darnold.

Sam Darnold fell to the spot that many had originally thought Mayfield would fall to. Many, including myself, had Darnold as the best quarterback in the draft class that would be the first overall pick.

However, he wasn’t, and it may be the best thing that has happened to him. The New York Jets are closer to contending than many think and definitely are closer than the Cleveland Browns.

Naturally, Sam Darnold is drawing comparisons to another USC quarterback that was selected by the New York Jets. In 2009, the Jets selected USC quarterback Mark Sanchez with the fifth overall pick. Darnold was 11 years old.

However, Darnold has a much higher ceiling than Sanchez did and is a great fit for the Jets. While the team definitely needs to add pieces around him, they selected the most NFL-ready quarterback of the bunch. With a decent defense lead by a good run-defense and defensive line, adding Darnold alone will allow the Jets to flirt with .500.

The Jets do have Josh McCown, however, it would be a massive mistake to have Darnold sit for five weeks before finally realizing that he is the starter to go with. While McCown shouldn’t be the starter, he is the perfect veteran to take Darnold under his wing and show him the ropes of the NFL.

At the end of the day, the New York Jets got themselves a winner in Sam Darnold; who is the surest thing in the draft.

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What else could you ask for out of the third overall pick? While the ceilings of Baker Mayfield and Josh Allen are intriguing, Darnold has everything it takes to become a bonafide NFL star.

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