Willie Colon breaks down what Sam Darnold must do in 2018

Heading into the upcoming season, former New York Jets offensive lineman Willie Colon gives some solid advice for what Sam Darnold needs to do in order to succeed.

Whenever a rookie quarterback enters the NFL, advice from savvy veterans tend to go a very long way. Such is the case for New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold and what the buzz around him is. It’s no secret he’s going to be the next franchise quarterback of the Jets, but it will take some time before he’s ready for the task at hand.

From mastering an NFL playbook to executing when it matters most, Darnold has his work cut out for him. Fans are excited about his potential as the Jets leadership regime knows that he brings a lot to the table. He’s a proven winner and will likely bring above average play from the most important position on the team at some point in the future.

Former Jets offensive lineman Willie Colon is also excited for everything Darnold brings to the franchise. Hopefully, things work out for the best but before Darnold is scoring touchdowns in playoff games against the New England Patriots, he has to work on a few things that Colon believes are important for his overall success.

More from The Jet Press

• NY Jets Mock Offseason: Re-signings, free agents, mock draft, and UDFAs
• NY Jets: 3 free agent kickers to target in the 2021 offseason
• NY Jets: Christian Hackenberg lands local high school coaching job
• NY Jets: Chris Simms says Zach Wilson is ‘clearly the No. 1 quarterback’
• NY Jets ‘will answer’ trade calls about QB Sam Darnold, per Joe Douglas

In an article written by Ethan Greenberg of NewYorkJets.com, here is what Colon said Darnold needs to work on immediately heading into his rookie season:

“The demand in the huddle is different because he’s going to have to be able to communicate and be relatable. He’s going to have to look a lot of guys in the eye and win their respect. That’s not through words, that’s by how he goes about his business and how detailed he is on the field.”

Colon is 100 percent right here since Darnold will have to earn the respect of those around him, especially all his fellow young players that are in it for the long haul. It’s imperative that Darnold handles himself as a professional on and off the field.

Darnold’s teammates will want a leader that can come through in the clutch and be a shining example of integrity, execution, and pure class. It’s been a long time since the Jets had a quarterback of such high standards but on all accounts, they likely have that and then some in Darnold at this point in time.

Hopefully, Darnold takes the advice of Colon and many others that want him to succeed for the sake of not only his promising young career but for the franchise to finally have something to smile about in regards to their quarterback situation. Heaven knows it’s been such a long time since such a case has hit the city that never sleeps for those that root for the boys in green and white.