With the first pick in the Full Press Coverage mock draft, the Browns selected USC quarterback Sam Darnold. Cleveland needs to find a franchise quarterback, and Darnold may be the safest quarterback to select.
The Browns will be getting a player that has the potential to be their franchise quarterback. Darnold does not have one individual trait that is better than any other quarterback, but he is the best quarterback with all traits combined. He will be willing to sit for a year and learn, which is a plus for the Browns instead of throwing him on the field when he may not be ready.
Even after the Browns traded for Tyrod Taylor, the Browns still need to draft a quarterback at the top of the draft. Taylor will be nothing more than a bridge quarterback that will be Cleveland’s starter for one year, and at most two years. Darnold has the right mindset and will not complain sitting for a year. His leadership qualities is what can set him apart from the other quarterback prospects.
With the Giants and Colts as trade-back candidates, Cleveland cannot wait until the fourth pick to get their quarterback. Saquon Barkley is a very impressive candidate, but he is not worth passing on their “guy”. They have a chance to get their quarterback of the future, and they should pick who they want instead of waiting to see who is left at four.
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Darnold has the accuracy that could help him excel in Hue Jackson and Todd Haley’s offense. He is very tough and is poised when in the pocket. He is also not afraid to deliver throws into tight windows. Darnold is also mobile enough to escape a collapsing pocket and make plays on the run.
The biggest concerns regarding Darnold is his throwing motion and the amount of turnovers in 2017. Teams may not want to change his throwing motion that much because he is still getting the ball out on quickly and on time. Turnovers were a problem in 2017, but they may be an anomaly for Darnold. He had an awful offensive line that rarely let him settle in the pocket. Behind an NFL offensive line, Darnold’s turnovers could dramatically decrease.
Click here for a full scouting report on Darnold.
