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Following their move to trade up to the third overall pick in this year's draft weeks ago, the New York Jets put themselves in the position to snag one of the top quarterback prospects. And with that pick, the front office was able to land former USC star quarterback Sam Darnold.
During his introductory press conference on Friday, Darnold voiced much confidence in his ability on the field that he can lead the franchise to success on the field next season and beyond, according to Lenn Robbins of ESPN.
“Knowing the decision that Cleveland made, and then the Giants, and now the Jets were on the clock, and getting that phone call, it changed my life,” Darnold said Friday at the Jets' training facility. “I know it’s going to change my life and I’m very confident here that we’re going to win some games. And I think I’m going to be here for a long time.”
The 20-year-old was widely viewed as being the top talent at his position in this year's draft that had surprisingly become available after both the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants decided to pass on him in the first two overall spots. The Jets finally have in place a quarterback that could take over as the next franchise cornerstone.
New York has struggled to find a solid option at the position over the last several years that has contributed to the team's seven-year playoff drought that has put them in a funk finishing with just five wins in each of the last two years.
Darnold has shown the ability to be a game-changing talent at the position at the collegiate level behind his strong accurate arm that has allowed for him to make every throw that will be required of him in the NFL. He has also shown poise in the pocket along with a strong level of maturity at his age.
Darnold's strong confidence in his ability on the field should aid in helping in his effort toward finally pushing the franchise toward success in the 2018 campaign if he is given a shot at the starting job.
