Sam Darnold is the number one quarterback prospect on my draft board this year. Whoops… Maybe I should have saved the surprise. The USC quarterback made a surprising decision and has decided not to throw at the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine. Darnold is one of many highly rated quarterbacks but as of now will be the only one who will not throw at the combine.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter was the first to report the news:
Darnold, 20, has decided that he will throw at the USC pro day that will be held March 21. Darnold will compete in the on-field work and interview process. Josh Rosen, Josh Allen, Baker Mayfield, and Lamar Jackson all plan to throw at the combine as of now. This isn’t the first time a quarterback has decided not to throw. The elite quarterbacks like Andrew Luck have passed on throwing. There have also been busts like Johnny Manziel who did not throw as well.
Darnold is one of the best in the class and has the numbers to show for it. His 4,143 yards on 63.1 percent passing with 26 touchdowns and 13 interceptions season numbers as a sophomore speaks for themselves. For Darnold, the more important thing for him might be the measurement. For a quarterback that has struggled with fumbles, his hand size might be the one thing that is under the microscope the most for his draft process. There’s no questioning the talent or competitiveness when it comes to the USC quarterback.
For more coverage heading into the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine and 2018 NFL Draft, you can find our latest mock draft by the Coach Harper here! Also, take a look at a handful of players that may increase their draft stock along with a handful that will decrease their draft stock.
