Sam Darnold Makes For Interesting New York Jets Quarterback Battle

The New York Jets took USC quarterback Sam Darnold with the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Many mock drafts and draft experts saw him going first overall to the Cleveland Browns, but they had other ideas in mind. They took Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield with the first overall pick.

The Jets selected Darnold after their in-state rival, the New York Giants, selected Penn State running back Saquan Barkley with the second overall pick. While Darnold does have a problem with turnovers – 36 in 26 career college games – he is still considered a day-one quarterback. There are still two other quarterbacks he’ll have to compete with for the starting job.

Jets Jumbling Quarterback Battle

New York was expected to go 0-16 by just about everyone, even Jets fans. They didn’t have much of anything to work with at all on offense or defense. However, veteran quarterback Josh McCown led the Jets to a 5-11 record in 2017, which makes him a candidate for the starting job.

The Jets also acquired veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater this off-season. Bridgewater was drafted 32nd overall by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2014 NFL Draft. He went on to win the 2014 Pepsi Rookie of the Year Award. 

During practice in Aug. 2016, Bridgewater tore his ACL and dislocated his knee, among other things, on a non-contact injury. He has not taken a snap since. However, based on his performance from when he is healthy, there is a chance he could win the starting job.

Darnold is a very talented quarterback, but the turnovers are a big head-scratcher. He will have a chance to show that he can reduce the turnovers during rookie minicamp and into training camp. 

Three quarterbacks will make for a very interesting quarterback competition. Only one will win. The Jets kick off their season on Monday night, Sept. 10 when they travel to Ford Field to take on the Detroit Lions on ESPN’s Monday Night Football.