If you come up with a prototypical mold of a potential NFL franchise quarterback, USC’s Sam Darnold checks most of the boxes. He has good size, one of the best arms to come out of college in some time, has a solid character and the ability to shake off mistakes.
However, it’s in those mistakes and a slight regression in 2017 that has both scouts and fans puzzled about his future as a pro signal-caller. After the Trojans started a dismal 1-3 in 2016 with Max Browne under center, head coach Clay Helton turned to Darnold and the redshirt freshman phenom didn’t disappoint.