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2018 NFL Draft: Sam Darnold shows out at Pro Day

By Maxwell Ogden

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 09: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans passes the ball during the first half of a game against the Stanford Cardinal at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 9, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 09: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans passes the ball during the first half of a game against the Stanford Cardinal at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 9, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold has a chance to go No. 1 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. At his Pro Day, he may have secured that honor.

With roughly one month remaining until the 2018 NFL Draft, few quarterbacks are garnering more headlines than USC Trojans star Sam Darnold. Whether scouts and analysts love or hate Darnold, the passion for his game seems to be equal.

Following a Pro Day that featured elements that were beyond Darnold’s control, the evaluations are beginning to come back in a far more unanimous tone.

Darnold was the favorite go No. 1 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft at the beginning of the 2017 college football season. He showed out as a redshirt freshman, leading USC to a 9-1 record as a starter after the team began the season at 1-2 with Max Browne under center.

The losses were admittedly to the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide and No. 7 Stanford Cardinal, but after Darnold lost his debut to the No. 24 Utah Utes, he was unstoppable.

Unfortunately, the elite instincts that Darnold displayed in 2016 were met with troubling turnover issues in 2017. He produced 12 interceptions and nine lost fumbles, and finished his college career by struggling mightily against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl.

Thankfully, Darnold overcame adversity at his Pro Day and firmly solidified his place as the No. 1 quarterback prospect in the 2018 NFL Draft.

With rain pouring down and everyone in attendance hoping to see how the Southern California quarterback with undersized hands could handle the elements, Darnold thrived.

In the hours that have followed, both Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated and Matt Miller of Bleacher Report have reported that Darnold is a virtual lock to go No. 1 overall. That doesn’t necessarily mean that the Cleveland Browns won’t unlock that feeling, but it’s become a safe bet.

Between his game film, his statistics, and his Pro Day, the notion that Darnold is a special and natural talent has certainly been supported.

Mechanically, Darnold seems to have shortened his throwing motion. More importantly, the ball flies out of his hand as he puts the type of velocity behind his throws that makes his pinpoint accuracy even more impressive.

Throw in how naturally Darnold appears to adjust to new tasks and challenges, and he’s a player who’s easy to believe in.

Must Read: Key strengths and weaknesses for Sam Darnold

The question is: Will the Cleveland Browns actually select Sam Darnold at No. 1 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft?

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