QB SCOUTING REPORTS - qb1 Sam darnold, usc

If Sam Darnold had been able to declare after his redshirt freshman season, he would have easily been the top pick in the draft a year ago. Instead, he returned to school as the presumptive #1 pick and fell short of expectations in an up and down year (by his standards) that culminated in a disappointing Cotton Bowl defeat at the hands of Ohio State. Still, the traits that made Darnold so appealing a year ago are no less enticing, and history suggests (Jameis Winston threw 5 more INTs in 1 fewer game for FSU in 2014 & Deshaun Watson threw 8 more INTs in his two full years as a starter, for recent examples) that many of the turnover/decision making concerns surrounding the USC quarterback have been slightly overblown.

PROS

Strong and accurate arm capable of the full array of NFL throws with repeatable consistency. Big, sturdy and athletic frame. Has demonstrated time and time again an ability to make anticipatory throws and to throw receivers open downfield. Has easily the most “dime” 10/10 difficulty throws on tape from this class and is able to deliver these throws from a clean pocket, under pressure or on the move. Good pocket feel but truly excels outside the pocket where his natural athleticism and playmaking abilities shine. Able to diagnose the defense in the pre-snap process and read through multiple progressions consistently. Very aggressive and confident downfield passer. Good natural understanding of the appropriate touch and trajectory to put on throws. Typically good footwork/lower body mechanics. Deceptively quick and explosive release despite sub-optimal hitch in throwing motion. Much more athletic as a runner than most realize. A leader by example who will command respect in the locker room with his work ethic, talent level and competitiveness. Winning college QB who was nearly unstoppable with the right amount of offensive support his redshirt freshman year.   

CONS

Turnover prone. Can force the ball into ill-advised windows, also has a tendency for tunnel vision and sometimes loses track of defenders in coverage. Holds the ball low in the pocket which has led to major fumbling issues. Led the entire nation in fumbles lost in 2017 with a horrifying 8. Has a hitch in his throwing motion in which he drops the ball below his waist before bringing it up to the release position, although the hitch does not seem to impact the quickness of his release as much as one might typically expect. Struggles mightily in the face of interior pressure with a tendency to get sloppy with his footwork in these situations. Will sometimes make a hyper-aggressive throw instead of throwing the ball away and needs to work on ending runs by sliding. Took the vast majority of his college snaps from the shotgun.
 

VERDICT

Sam Darnold has the skill set, personality and experience to thrive in today’s NFL. He is in need of slight refinements in multiple areas and needs to be handled accordingly. Too much early passing responsibility on a bad offense will run the risk of repeating the conditions that led to some of his second-year struggles at USC. Because of this, he is not quite worthy of the #1 overall grade earned in recent years by the likes of Andrew Luck, Cam Newton and Jared Goff, but he’s not far off the pace at all. It would be hard to imagine a year in which a such well-rounded talent with no health or off-field issues would fall beyond the fifth pick and this year will certainly be no different.
 

PROSPECT COMPS

Jameis Winston, Andrew Luck

GRADE

TOP 5