• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • NBA
  • Pro Wrestling
  • MMA
Cleveland Browns Draft Prospect: QB Sam Darnold

Cleveland Browns Draft Prospect: QB Sam Darnold

January 31, 2018
An All-Time Great Playing At His Highest Level

An All-Time Great Playing At His Highest Level

April 20, 2021
J.J. Watt is now a member of the Arizona Cardinals.

NFL 2021: Key Comings and Goings (As of April 20)

April 20, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Janarius Robinson

April 20, 2021
From The Burgundy and Gold….Thank You, Alex Smith

From The Burgundy and Gold….Thank You, Alex Smith

April 20, 2021
Packers 2021 Mock Draft Part 2

Packers 2021 Mock Draft Part 2

April 19, 2021
Tom Brady’s Knee Rehab Is Progressing Well

Tom Brady’s Knee Rehab Is Progressing Well

April 19, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Ben Cleveland

April 19, 2021
Recent Chicago Bears signee, wide receiver Marquise Goodwin

Chicago Bears: Do Recent Signings Change Draft Moves?

April 19, 2021
Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders Opinion: The Unbridled Draft Mess

April 19, 2021
Carmi Mock Draft 2.0

Carmi Mock Draft 2.0

April 18, 2021
Jeremy Swayman’s Star Turn For Bruins Giving Michaud ‘Proud Uncle Moment’

Jeremy Swayman’s Star Turn For Bruins Giving Michaud ‘Proud Uncle Moment’

April 17, 2021
AL Notes: April Featuring Surprising Division Leaders And Struggling Favorites

AL Notes: April Featuring Surprising Division Leaders And Struggling Favorites

April 17, 2021
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • FullPressRadio.com
  • SHOP FPC
  • FullPressHockey.com
  • FullPressWrestling.com


Wednesday, April 21, 2021
Full Press Coverage
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Coverage
No Result
View All Result
Home NFL AFC

Cleveland Browns Draft Prospect: QB Sam Darnold

Dan Justik by Dan Justik
January 31, 2018
in AFC, AFC North, Cleveland Browns, NFL Draft
Reading Time: 4min read
0
Cleveland Browns Draft Prospect: QB Sam Darnold
1.5k
SHARES
3.2k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Draft Profile

Name: Sam Darnold

More FromFPC

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Janarius Robinson

April 20, 2021

Packers 2021 Mock Draft Part 2

April 19, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Ben Cleveland

April 19, 2021

Chicago Bears: Do Recent Signings Change Draft Moves?

April 19, 2021

Position: Quarterback

School: USC

Height: 6-foot-4

Weight: 220 pounds

Projected Round: 1 (Top Five)

Stats

Strengths

When looking at Darnold, he has the size NFL teams desire out of a quarterback. At 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, he has the physical tools to be able to take a hit from NFL defenses. He is willing to stand strong in the pocket to deliver throws, even when pressure is bearing down on him. He did not miss a game in his career at USC due to injury. However, he did play with a minor ankle injury during the 2017 season.

For a player coming out of college, Darnold does a great of job going through his progressions. He rarely is locking on to a single receiver, and he scans the full field. He can anticipate what the defense is going to give him, and he does a good job of delivering throws on time.

Is not a “gunslinger” quarterback, but he is not afraid to make any throw. When throwing in tight windows, he puts in the ball in positions for his receiver to make a play on the ball. He has a strong arm and he puts good velocity on the ball. His targets do not have to wait for the ball to get to them, which gives them time to make a move to gain yards.

Due to a horrendous USC offensive line, Darnold faced pressure on 26.2 percent of his dropbacks, according to Pro Football Focus. But it showed that he still can deliver a ball with accuracy when under pressure. He can climb the pocket when there is pressure on the edge. Also has the legs to get outside of the pocket to extend a play. Still has the accuracy and arm strength when on the move. He is also able to use his legs to gain yards when a throw cannot be made.

Weaknesses

The most talked about concern regarding Darnold is turnovers. In 2017, he threw 13 interceptions and lost nine fumbles. Some fumbles came from the result as miscommunications between him and the running back. But also was stripped from behind when winding up to throw the ball.

Some of his interceptions can be blamed on relying on his arm too much when facing pressure. Tried to make throws that weren’t there when pressure was getting to him. Would take too many sacks instead of throwing the ball away.

Darnold has a funky throwing motion. Ball tends to drop to his waist, which elongates his throwing motion. The longer throwing motion played a part in the fumbles, as linemen can get a hand to the ball. It also gave defenders more time to make a jump on a throw. May be tough to change his motion in the NFL.

Does not have the best deep-ball touch. Relies on his arm for velocity instead of having a strong base. After facing the amount of pressure he did at USC, he tends to throw off his back foot instead of transferring his weight from the back foot to the front foot.

Fit with the Cleveland Browns

Darnold has everything that the Browns would desire in a franchise quarterback. Arm strength to deliver throws all over the field, accuracy, toughness, mobility, and the ability to read a defense. Todd Haley and Hue Jackson like to stretch the field, and Darnold can do that. He can open up the deep throws by using his eyes to manipulate the safety. But he can also attack the short and intermediate throws to keep the defenses honest.

He will also have a solid offensive line in front of him that will not give up the pressure that he faced at USC. And with the number of picks and cap space the Browns have, they can surround Darnold with offensive weapons to make the adjustment easier. Having athletes that can make plays, like Josh Gordon, David Njoku, and Duke Johnson, will also help limit the mistakes that a rookie can make.

The biggest plus about Darnold is his attitude. He has come out and said that he would be “honored to play for any team.” For a team like the Browns, that is the right attitude that the team needs. Darnold has shown that he can be a leader, even at the age of 20. He also does not let mistakes get to him. For a young team like the Browns, there will be many mistakes and losses that could pile up. Darnold’s mental toughness will be beneficial in Cleveland.

The biggest question about Darnold in Cleveland would be the fumbles. Were the fumbles a technique flaw? Or were they the cause of a smaller hand? If Darnold has a small hand, it could be a cause for concern for the Browns. With the crazy weather that happens in Cleveland and the AFC North, a quarterback needs to be able to hold onto the ball. His hand measurement at the Scouting Combine will draw some attention from Browns scouts, coaches, management.

But all-in-all, Darnold has the potential to be the Browns franchise quarterback that they desire. He could step in day one and be the starting quarterback, but it may be beneficial for him to sit a season to get adjusted to the NFL, ala Patrick Mahomes.

Tags: 2018 NFL DraftAFCAFC NorthCleveland BrownsDavid NjokuDuke JohnsonHue Jacksonjosh gordonSam DarnoldTodd Haley
Share597Tweet373
Previous Post

Aqib Talib to the Texans?

Next Post

Super Bowl LII Key MatchUps: Patriots Defensive Line vs. Eagles Offensive Line

Dan Justik

Dan Justik

Student in The E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University. Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Browns. Follow on Twitter @DanJustik and @FPC_Browns

Next Post
Super Bowl LII Key MatchUps: Patriots Defensive Line vs. Eagles Offensive Line

Super Bowl LII Key MatchUps: Patriots Defensive Line vs. Eagles Offensive Line

A Season In Review: Grading Les Snead

2018 Rams Mock Draft 1.0

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

A Twitter List by iglen31

FPC Podcasts

  • Ep.62: 2021 Raiders Mock Draft
    by Full Press Coverage on April 21, 2021 at 5:00 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV6386194650.mp3?updated=1618974839
  • The Pick and Roll NBA Podcast W/ Jet and Sap - EP 43 - KD Snubs Westbrook
    by Full Press Coverage on April 20, 2021 at 6:30 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44400782/pick_4_20.mp3
  • Ep 45: Bengals Talk With HOF Voter Geoff Hobson
    by Full Press Coverage on April 20, 2021 at 6:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44410108/eyetest_ep45.mp3
  • Ep. 238: The Whole Bag
    by Full Press Coverage on April 20, 2021 at 5:00 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV3125715403.mp3?updated=1618890665
  • The Pick and Roll NBA Podcast W/ Jet and Sap - EP 42 - Is Steph a Legitimate MVP Candidate?
    by Full Press Coverage on April 20, 2021 at 1:40 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44400673/pick_4_19.mp3
  • Vino is Back! NBA Weekend. Nets and Chemistry Issues? Scott Frost, and the Arm Lock Putter
    by Full Press Coverage on April 19, 2021 at 7:28 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44396794/ep_24_fpr.mp3
  • Ep.237: Upside Down Logic In a Weird World
    by Full Press Coverage on April 19, 2021 at 3:20 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV2078663234.mp3?updated=1618844292
  • Episode 39: The Bears and the Quarterback Position. What Should They Do in the Draft? (W/ Shane Westwood of Frustration Nation)
    by Full Press Coverage on April 19, 2021 at 10:00 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV2987711255.mp3?updated=1618797543
  • MISSING: The Real New York Yankees
    by Full Press Coverage on April 18, 2021 at 11:06 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9388285016.mp3
  • Ep 175: 2021 Rookie RB Class
    by Full Press Coverage on April 18, 2021 at 8:35 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV6742449919.mp3?updated=1618778316

  • 4/15 - Jackie Robinson and April 15th Events in History
    by Full Press Coverage on April 15, 2021 at 11:43 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44352891/adv1580103741.mp3
  • 4/13 - Julian Edelman Announces Retirement; John Sapochetti Joins
    by Full Press Coverage on April 15, 2021 at 11:38 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44352890/adv8133226208.mp3
  • 4/12 - Weekend Wrap, Vaccine Recap, Ed O'Neal, NHL Trade Deadline
    by Full Press Coverage on April 12, 2021 at 1:59 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44303436/adv5842490920.mp3
  • 4/9 - Wrestlemania, 2024 Glendon/D'Abate Ticket, and Julian Edelman
    by Full Press Coverage on April 9, 2021 at 2:02 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44272056/adv5505172386.mp3
  • 4/8 - More Cowbell, Sports Movies, Space Adventures, and More
    by Full Press Coverage on April 8, 2021 at 2:28 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44258247/adv6567559796.mp3
  • 4/7 - Documentaries, Aaron Rodgers, and More With John Sapochetti
    by Full Press Coverage on April 7, 2021 at 2:29 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44242041/adv1869381289.mp3
  • 4/6 - Baylor Beats Gonzaga, Vaccines and Gil Hill, Sam Darnold To Panthers
    by Full Press Coverage on April 6, 2021 at 2:53 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44221388/adv9103610065.mp3
  • 4/5 - Married With Children, Vaccines, Red Sox, and More
    by Full Press Coverage on April 5, 2021 at 11:27 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44211047/adv7870235805.mp3
  • 3/30 - John Sapochetti Joins The Show
    by Full Press Coverage on March 31, 2021 at 6:17 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44133895/adv6448062767.mp3
  • 3/29 - Dolphins/49ers Trade; Jimmy G's Future; Cam and The Patriots
    by Full Press Coverage on March 29, 2021 at 2:27 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44099239/adv6405979487.mp3

  • 37 Thoughts on Wrestlemania 37 Night Two
    by Evan Gomes on April 12, 2021 at 2:09 pm

    37 Thoughts About Wrestlemania 37 Night Two 1. No rain delays on our Wrestlemania Sunday. It was a […]

  • Wrestlemania 37 Night Two Predictions
    by Evan Gomes on April 11, 2021 at 5:17 pm

    Wrestlemania 37 Night Two Predictions After an exciting Night One, we’ve still got another round […]

  • 37 Thoughts on Wrestlemania 37 Night One
    by Evan Gomes on April 11, 2021 at 3:45 am

    37 Thoughts on Wrestlemania 37 Night One The weather at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa had the […]

  • Wrestlemania 37 Night One Predictions
    by Evan Gomes on April 10, 2021 at 8:34 pm

    Wrestlemania 37 Night One Predictions The Showcase of The Immortals is here! Wrestlemania 37 is […]

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 58: Beth Phoenix
    by Evan Gomes on April 10, 2021 at 2:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

More Wrestling News

  • Alexander Holtz To Play For Binghamton Devils Rest Of Season
    by Chris Wassel on April 21, 2021 at 12:13 am

    Alexander Holtz signed his entry-level deal with the New Jersey Devils. Holtz will play for the […]

  • Tragic Numbers And Some Flyers’ Expansion Draft Possibilities
    by Carol Schram on April 20, 2021 at 10:30 pm

    As the Philadelphia Flyers' playoff hopes dim, a look at how Chuck Fletcher could use the expansion […]

  • Roster Roulette Continues For Maple Leafs Ahead Of Playoffs
    by Luke Garrison on April 20, 2021 at 2:48 pm

    The Toronto Maple Leafs only have 10 games remaining before the playoffs. Will they find the […]

  • Griffins Handle Wild Weekend With Great Resolve
    by Elaine Shircliff on April 20, 2021 at 11:26 am

    With an abnormal roster this weekend, the Grand Rapids Griffins held their heads high and put their […]

  • NHL East Division Remains Toughest To Predict Winner
    by Chris Wassel on April 19, 2021 at 9:17 pm

    The race in the East Division is heating up as the NHL readies for another postseason. The post NHL […]

More Hockey News

  • Ep 59: Bruins Swing Big At Trade Deadline
    by Full Press Coverage on April 12, 2021 at 9:48 pm

    Ian and Chris welcome in Mike Cratty to discuss the trade acquisitions of […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/31287822/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-3-12%2Ff58714b8-6022-3934-eaa5-6290cfb68d8c.mp3
  • Ep 58: Chris' Trip To TD Garden, Bruins Trade Target Goes Elsewhere, Injuries, and the Capitals
    by Full Press Coverage on April 8, 2021 at 6:33 pm

    Ian and Chris discuss Blackey's return to the Garden, the Islanders trade […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/30997504/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-3-8%2Ff5ad8b3a-4858-ae42-2228-24fde2fee0c2.mp3
  • Ep 57: Trade Deadline Talk w/ Mike Cratty
    by Full Press Coverage on April 1, 2021 at 5:34 pm

    Mike Cratty joins Ian and Chris to discuss the Bruins win over the Devils, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/30509893/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-3-1%2Feda15c50-e46c-8460-b62e-0f602613cda3.mp3
Full Press Coverage

© 2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • Staff Portal
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • Have a news tip?
  • Privacy Policy
  • FPC Radio Network
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • FullPressHockey.com

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows

© 2020 Full Press Coverage