2018 NFL Mock Draft: Impact of recent trades and signings

With the fifth overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills select the player whom they reportedly covet: USC Trojans star Sam Darnold. It’s a decision that would justify moving on from Tyrod Taylor and facilitate the long-term vision.

There are rational concerns about Darnold, but there’s no way around the fact that he’s a tremendous talent who has the tools for sustained success.

Darnold’s undersized hands and trouble with fumbles create the foundation for the concerns that currently exist. He says all of the right things, however, and pairs a powerful work ethic with his tendency to be his own worst critic.

Darnold isn’t one to become complacent, and that constant drive for perfection is exactly what Buffalo needs at the quarterback position.

Most of all, Buffalo needs a quarterback who’s capable of making the big play in the most pivotal of moments. That’s tough to find, but Darnold proved to possess the clutch gene throughout his brief but decorated USC career

Signing AJ McCarron may imply that Buffalo won’t be trading up, but considering it’s a two-year deal worth roughly $10 million, not much has changed.