NFL Mock Draft 2018: Complete first round after Week 5
USC. Sam Darnold. 1. player. 42. . QB
Darnold is a great prospect, but by no means is he the best available player available at the number one overall selection. At least not right now. That, while it may be true, can’t fix the wayward quarterback situation in San Francisco.
Since the departure of Colin Kaepernick the 49ers quarterback carousel has been laughable. The incumbent, Brian Hoyer, is backed up by Iowa product CJ Beathard.
Bethard wasn’t asked to do too much in college. He had a strong defense behind him and a powerful running game. The 49ers have a workhorse running back in Carlos Hyde, but the defense has a lot of work to do. The 49ers don’t need a game manager, they need a game winner. For all his faults, Darnold’s come-from-behind victory against Texas will be an important feather in his cap come draft day.
The benefit of the double is starting to expire for the Trojans signal caller. Darnold completed just 15-of-29 passes for 164 yards and no touchdowns in a loss to Washington State in Week 5. With nine touchdowns and eight interceptions on the season, Darnold needs to right the ship otherwise he’ll start to drop down the boards quickly.