2018 NFL Draft quarterback rankings: Mason Rudolph rising

Sam Darnold is going to continue to ‘wow’ all season with two things:

1. Traits.

2. Potential.

NFL teams are going to be salivating at the thought of this guy developing into the player he can be, which is also a player he isn’t yet.

Now, no collegiate player is a finished product by any means, but with Darnold, there is a certain risk factor. I still see a lot of Jameis Winston in him, and I’ll continue to beat that drum because every single week, I’m reminded of Winston at Florida State.

What Winston and Darnold both have is the playmaker gene. I love that Sam Darnold is the ultimate competitor, and he shows it on a play-by-play basis with his aggressiveness and desire to keep plays alive, no matter what the cost.

There’s a play early in this game where Darnold avoids the rush, and almost magically scrambles for a first down inside the Washington State five-yard line. This play was reminiscent of something only a guy like Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson would pull off.

Now, Darnold makes some critical errors in this game. He throws a bad interception on his side of the field with Washington State bringing heavy pressure, which they did pretty much the entire game.

He also fumbles late in this one, sealing the victory for the Cougars.

That said, Darnold made some amazing plays in this game given the amount of pressure he was under from a great defensive game plan, and I came away largely impressed. There’s no doubt that this kid needs to cut down on the turnovers, but his potential is arguably the highest of any quarterback in this year’s class.