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USC Football: Is Sam Darnold a sure-fire franchise quarterback?

By Matty Breisch

Nov 19, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) sets up to pass the football in the second half against the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) sets up to pass the football in the second half against the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Measurables

Sam Darnold is listed at 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds.

When put into historical context, this is the prototypical size for a franchise quarterback.

Of the 21 quarterbacks taken in the top 60 picks of the NFL since 2012, only two have been taller than 6-foot-5 and three that stood 6-foot-2 or shorter. Similarly, 80% of the quarterbacks taken weighed between 215lbs and 235lbs, with only one player under 215 pounds and three players over 235 pounds.

While these numbers have no real effect on a player’s ability to play at the next level, they are indicative as to what teams are looking for in a franchise caliber quarterback.

Short players are typically undervalued due to the potential troubles of seeing over an offensive line, and the perceived heightened risk of injury while taking constant pressure from 240-plus pound linebackers and rush ends.

This is also why light quarterbacks typically are required to add weight in order to play in the NFL. Slightly built players like Robert Griffin III have had to spend noticeable chunks of NFL careers on injured reserve after their bodies couldn’t take the pressures of NFL life. Adding additional weight can negatively impact a player’s dynamic play-making abilities, but the best ability is availability for most NFL franchises.

But there are limits.

Having a quarterback who is too heavy could also negatively impact their ability to shine in the NFL. As defenders continue to get faster and stronger, quarterbacks are continuously finding themselves under more and more pressure on any given down.

Related Story: Sam Darnold almost slips, still converts trick 2-point conversion in Rose Bowl

Having escapability is becoming more and more essential to playing quarterback at a high level, and finding a quarterback who can keep a play alive with his legs could be the difference between a 50-yard touchdown and a sack. While some quarterbacks like Cam Newton can play at 245 pounds and maintain their athletic advantage, others may find themselves a sitting duck in the pocket.

JaMarcus Russell, the former No. 1 overall pick out of LSU, was drafted at a weight of 265 pounds, but ultimately ballooned up to over 300 pounds before being cut by the Raiders after only three seasons with the team. Many viewed his weight gain as a sign of his lack of commitment to football and his game suffered as a result. Russell is now considered one of the biggest busts of all time, and is a cautionary tale for any team selecting a quarterback at the top of the draft.

When put into historical context, it is abundantly clear that Darnold has the ideal size desired by NFL teams, with a solid core and wide base that allowed him to play his entire redshirt sophomore season without sustaining any major injuries.

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