Jets select Sam Darnold in 2018 NFL Draft

In the 2018 NFL Draft, the New York Jets have selected quarterback Sam Darnold out of USC with the No. 3 overall pick.

The pick is officially in! With the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the New York Jets have selected their future franchise quarterback. That’s right ladies and gentlemen, the Jets have just drafted quarterback Sam Darnold out of USC.

For months now, it has been rumored that Darnold would have been taken with the No. 1 overall pick by the Cleveland Browns but he slipped in this year’s draft. Out of the Big 4 at quarterback, Darnold has the most upside due to his potential to be something special down the line.

Of course, Darnold isn’t perfect and is likely a year or two away from everything coming together for him. Luckily, the Jets have a great situation at quarterback heading into this upcoming season. Unless Darnold plays lights out football during training camp this summer, he doesn’t have to start anytime soon for the Jets.

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With Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater on the roster at quarterback, one of them will likely be the Jets starter in Week 1. Unless injuries or a major decline in play happen to those two quarterbacks, Darnold can effectively take his rookie season as a learning experience on the sideline.

With quality coaching, training, and mentoring by the veterans above him on the depth chart, Darnold will undoubtedly be ready to begin a new era under center for the Jets. If it’s not at some point in 2018, expect to see Darnold be “the guy” in 2019 and especially by 2020.

Patience is key in Darnold’s development but in the grand scheme of things, the Jets just drafted a potential star quarterback with hopes of finally bringing consistent and successful football from the most important position on the team.

In three years at USC, Darnold totaled 7,229 passing yards, 549 completions, 57 touchdowns, and 22 interceptions. If he can translate such stats with the Jets early in his career, there is no telling just how great he can be for years to come.