Grading the Sam Darnold pick in 2018 NFL Draft

The New York Jets were the talk of the 2018 NFL Draft for getting the top quarterback of the class. Here’s the initial grade on selecting quarterback Sam Darnold with the No. 3 overall pick.

General manager Mike Maccagnan has done it once again for the New York Jets. First, it was defensive end Leonard Williams back in 2015. Second, it was linebacker Darron Lee in 2016. Then yet again, it was safety Jamal Adams in 2017. Notice an interesting pattern here?

Ever since Maccagnan was hired by the Jets, he was in a position to draft the best of the best, and in some cases, the top overall player in an NFL Draft. That pattern continued in the 2018 NFL Draft as if luck would have it, quarterback Sam Darnold out of USC was still available for the taking with the No. 3 overall pick.

It was a no-brainer for Maccagnan and the Jets since Darnold was heralded by many as the top prospect in this year’s draft. Things double up considering that Darnold plays quarterback and well, helps fill an immediate need the Jets haven’t had someone that talented in what feels like forever.

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As of right now, the Jets have a future stud of a quarterback that is waiting in the wings until his number is eventually called. It might not happen this upcoming season but likely will in 2019 and for sure by 2020.

Of course, Darnold is expected to be the next face of the franchise but luckily, won’t have to start anytime soon for the Jets. With Josh McCown expected to be his veteran mentor, Darnold is learning from one of the best in professional football.

McCown is a proven leader, fierce competitor, and will undoubtedly be a great influence for Darnold as he begins his transition into the pros. What grade do the Jets get for drafting Darnold?

Make no mistake about it, the Jets got it right by drafting Darnold since any other decision likely would have been a wrong one. It remains to be seen how good or bad Darnold will be once his time comes to start under center, but for now, the Jets get an “A” for the potential of everything he brings to the table.

Overall, it’s an exciting time for the Jets and their fans who have longed for a player to get excited for that brings hope to the franchise at the most important position on the team. Yes, the Jets will likely not win a lot of football games in 2018 but once everything falls into place with their rebuild, get ready for Darnold to be the final piece in ultimately fielding a competitive team in the future.