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NFL Draft 2018: Way-too-early ranking of top Pac-12 prospects

By Erich Hilkert

Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) speaks to an ESPN reporter of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) speaks to an ESPN reporter of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) is pressured by Oregon Ducks linebacker Troy Dye (35) during a NCAA football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) is pressured by Oregon Ducks linebacker Troy Dye (35) during a NCAA football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Sam Darnold is entering his redshirt sophomore season, but he had such a strong season in 2016 that he earned the Archie Griffin award given to the Pac-12’s top offensive freshman.

Articles claiming Darnold came out of nowhere are misnomers because Darnold was a four-star prospect in the recruiting class of 2014 and earned offensive scout team player of the year during his redshirt year.

Darnold finished the 2016 season with 31 touchdown passes to just nine interceptions and threw for 3,086 yards while completing 67 percent of his passes. Boasting a 6-foot-4, 225-pound frame with solid scrambling and mobility plus accuracy, Darnold could earn his way to the top of the first round with another solid season.

Related Story: NFL Draft 2017: Ranking the top 10 quarterbacks

Improving draft stock

Darnold mainly just needs more experience. This will be his first full season as a starter. He is draft-eligible for 2018 but would forfeit two years of NCAA eligibility.

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