USC Football: 5 reasons why Sam Darnold should leave after 2017

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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 27: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans looks down field during the first quarter against the California Golden Bears at Los Angeles Coliseum on October 27, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

1. Sam Darnold’s draft stock is at its highest

Can Sam Darnold’s draft stock get any higher by staying another year at USC? Nope, but the only way it could go from here is down. Right now, there are many scouts who believe he’s the best prospect entering the 2018 NFL Draft and a popular choice for the No. 1 overall pick.

Say he decides to come back for another year, the need for quarterback may not be as high as it is in 2018 and other players emerge while Darnold remains on the same level. It seems like each season a new star breaks out and takes over the “No. 1 pick” conversation. Darnold could be at risk for blowing that top spot and the money that comes with it.

No, it’s not all about the money and Darnold doesn’t seem like a kid who is only thinking about compensation at the next level, but falling from No. 1 to even the second round could be a big drop in payout.

Next: NFL Mock Draft 2018: Way-too-early edition

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it once again: if Darnold is considered the No. 1 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, he shouldn’t even consider returning. No good can come of him staying for one more year and potentially hurting his stock which is currently at the highest it can be.

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