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USC QB Sam Darnold not throwing at the NFL Combine

By George Stockburger

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 09: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans looks to pass during the first half against the Stanford Cardinal at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 9, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 09: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans looks to pass during the first half against the Stanford Cardinal at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 9, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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A surprising move by Sam Darnold could shake up the 2018 NFL Draft class

USC quarterback Sam Darnold will not throw during the NFL Scouting Combine this week in Indianapolis, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

A candidate for the Cleveland Browns number one overall pick, Darnold will instead focus on his athletic testing and interviews. Fellow top quarterback prospects Josh Allen, Josh Rosen, Baker Mayfield, and Lamar Jackson are expected to throw for NFL coaches and scouts.

One of Darnold’s biggest criticisms is his throwing mechanics, which he worked on last year with the Trojans. If the throwing motion still isn’t completely in sync then it makes sense for Darnold to hold off a couple more weeks until his pro day.

At the same time, none of the quarterback-needy teams are going to Indianapolis to see Darnold’s vertical leap or bench press. Every team wants to see him throw the football, and his lack of participation is questionable considering the mass of talent in this year’s class.

I’ve personally rated Darnold above the other quarterbacks based on certain scenarios. Rosen’s floor is much higher than Darnold’s, but the ceiling for the USC product is likely just as high.

Darnold has also won the big games and stepped up when needed, starting with getting USC to the Rose Bowl and winning against a dangerous Penn State team.

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Darnold’s absence from the quarterback drills will shine an even brighter light on Allen from Wyoming, who has one of the strongest yet least accurate arms in this year’s draft.

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