In the last few days, one of the biggest storylines surrounding the NFL Scouting Combine and the upcoming 2018 NFL Draft has been USC quarterback Sam Darnold expected to not throw at the event. This has placed more scrutiny on his throwing ability that will now only be showcased in his school's Pro Day in a few weeks.
There have also been some questions about his throwing motion that it is a bit longer than scouts would prefer it to be. According to Chase Goodbread of NFL.com, Darnold has voiced that he doesn't plan to tinker with his throwing motion because he believes he can remain quite quick with the release.
“I'm not trying to change my throwing motion at all. I think I get the ball off pretty quick. There is kind of a wind-up, but I think I get it off quick and that's what matters,” Darnold said.
Darnold has developed a throwing motion that is somewhat longer than what NFL scouts are looking to see out of prospective quarterbacks. The plan is usually to have them with shorter and quicker delivers in order to react faster to situations that will arise in the pocket from pressure created by opposing defenses.
The 20-year-old is a bit bullish on his release not being an issue; there will be some adjustments made as he acclimates himself to the next level as many of the game's best quarterbacks have continued to fidget with their mechanics. It's no slight to Darnold as he is a promising quarterback that has shown the ability to make all the throws that will be necessary for the NFL along with possessing a strong arm.
There have been concerns about his ball security and decision making at times that have led to many turnovers, but those aspects of his game can be adjusted with slight alterations to his mechanics. That said, these next several weeks ahead of the NFL Draft with USC's Pro Day and individual workouts will be telling of where he will wind up come late April.
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