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Grading the first-round rookie QBs at the halfway point of the season

By Joel Deering

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns in action during their game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns in action during their game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 28: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets Passes against the Chicago Bearsat Soldier Field on October 28, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Jets 24-10. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 28: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets Passes against the Chicago Bearsat Soldier Field on October 28, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Jets 24-10. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

3rd Overall Pick – Sam Darnold – New York Jets

Games Started: 8

Record in Games Started: 3-5

Passing: 55.2% completions for 1,705 yards, 11 TDs, 10 INTs and a QB rating of 74.5.

Rushing: 30 attempts for 61 yards and 1 TD.

Analysis: Sam Darnold ranks as my second best first-round rookie QB, which only makes sense when you consider he was the second QB taken in the draft. His numbers also prove he’s been the second best.

Among the first-round rookie QBs to start a game this season, Darnold ranks second in QB rating, third in completion percentage, first in TD passes and first in passing yards.

Like Mayfield, Darnold has looked far from perfect, but he has shown why the Jets took him third overall. It’s a testament to his talent that he was able to win the starting job so quickly. He may not have had the best competition, but he won the job. That’s all that matters.

Many of the concerns scouts had about Sam Darnold coming out of college have made themselves present during his short time in the NFL. Turnovers have been Darnold’s biggest issue.

He’s thrown 10 INTs on the season, which is only one less than his TD passes. Darnold will have to clean that up as he moves forward, but the Jets seem to have a bright future with Darnold under center.

Grade: B-

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