Back In April, in the lead up to the 83rd edition of the NFL Draft, odds drastically changed leaving NFL draft experts in bewilderment.
Baker Mayfield’s odds went from being over +1000 to the -150/-200 range the morning of April 26th.
The word was out, and the Cleveland Browns were headed towards a train wreck in many peoples eyes. That is yet to be seen, and Baker Mayfield has had his moments in the preseason, so, for now, don’t hold your breath.
The beneficiaries of all this, The New York Jets, sitting there with the 3rd overall pick that could land them the top player on their board. Things played out perfect, and the Jets got the man they wanted to lead the franchise in the future.
Plugged into a crowded group, the rookie looked to maybe have time to mature some, while learning from newly acquired Teddy Bridgewater and the resurging Josh McCown.
Bridgewater came over in search of opportunity and signed a one year deal worth $6million with only $500,000 guaranteed.
Josh McCown surprised in 2017 coming off career highs in completion percentage, yards, and touchdowns. Things were looking up for the journeyman coming into his 16th NFL season.
The Jets were thinking the future and acquiring Bridgwater and drafting Sam Darnold showed just that. Wednesday’s move shows even more of the anxiety around the Organization and maybe the pressure of the Rising mantra of their neighbors the New York Giants, that lead them to make their move now.
Teddy Bridgewater has been traded to the New Orleans Saints for a 2019 3rd round pick. The move comes as no surprise as Bridgewater shined in the preseason raising his trade value. Now the path is open for Sam Darnold to take the throne of a franchise that’s desperate for a change in culture. As for Bridgewater’s future, he sits behind 39-year-old veteran Drew Brees that may be on his way out, while battling Taysom Hill for backup duties, Look for Teddy to be listed as #2 on the depth chart.
Darnold, the former Trojan takes over a franchise that has had one winning season since 2011. Gang Green hasn’t won the AFC East since 2002, yes I know the birth of one Thomas Brady has all to do with that but think back to a roster that had Chad Pennington under center with Curtis Martin leading the backfield.
Desperation or not, Darnold displays the skill set of a team leader and a player that can be molded into something special. His weapons leave much to be desired, and it will be a learning process for the rookie, but the move gives out a sense of optimism to a fan base that breaths football.
All aboard the Sam Darnold Hype train, I’m riding with Gang Green on this one.
Sam Darnold is available at MyBookie.ag at +300 for Rookie Of The Year.
