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2018 NFL Draft: Lamar Jackson leads QB stock up, stock down

By Sayre Bedinger

LOUISVILLE, KY - SEPTEMBER 23: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Louisville Cardinals looks on against the Kent State Golden Flashes during the first half at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium on September 23, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KY - SEPTEMBER 23: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Louisville Cardinals looks on against the Kent State Golden Flashes during the first half at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium on September 23, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Sam Darnold continues to have a very interesting season for USC.

On the one hand, he’s capable of making many of the ‘wow’ plays you want from a number one pick. On the other hand, he also makes infuriating decisions with the football that have caused me to pause on the hype train a little bit.

So far, Darnold’s occasional recklessness with the football hasn’t cost USC any victories. This game broadcast compared him as a prospect to Tony Romo, and I can kind of see that a bit. When the play breaks down, Darnold likes to turn it into schoolyard ball just like Romo used to. He will also throw some very untimely interceptions like Romo used to.

But also like Romo, Darnold is capable of taking over games and putting up video game numbers.

I still think my comparison of Jameis Winston will hold up. Winston was a lot like Darnold in the sense that he didn’t ever want a play to be dead. As a result, he will turn the ball over more often than you’d like.

I think scouts will continue to be enamored with Darnold’s traits, and projecting him out five years from now, this kid could be an absolute superstar.

Stock: STEADY

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