Sam Darnold has underwhelmed so far in his career, but wasn’t given the most help in New York. In Carolina, they have already gone all-in giving him enough weapons to succeed.
Sam Darnold was taken 3rd overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, and in that time, he and the Jets struggled. Once a new coaching staff was brought in this year it was very obvious that the Jets wanted to trade him. It finally happened, with the Carolina Panthers as they traded a 2021 6th-round pick, 2022 2nd-round pick, and 2022 4th-round pick. Matt Rhule has shown his faith in Darnold by trading away Bridgewater and not picking Justin Fields in the 1st-round. Let’s take a look at what they have given Darnold.
Sam Darnold Better Weapons
By Far Best RB played with
Darnold did not have much support in New York, and that includes the backfield. Even with the likes of Le’Veon Bell, no RB in the last years with the Jets ever rushed for over 800 yards. There was no balance whatsoever. All of that is changing for Darnold, as he will be joined by Christian Mccaffery, one of the most dynamic RBs in the NFL.
Receivers to Play with
Was Sam Darnold part of the reason that the WRs in New York didn’t succeed? Sure. But the talent of the WR core was not great either. Darnold will be reunited with Robby Anderson, who put up over 100 receptions, over 1500 yards, and 11 TDs in from 2018-19.
Adding to Anderson, DJ Moore is a budding young receiver who has had over 1,100 yards the last two seasons. Although Darnold has not connected with tight ends very much, the Panthers also upgraded their TE position in free agency with Dan Arnold from the Arizona Cardinals.
Even More Weapons in 2021 NFL Draft
Even with two very good receivers and a star running back, the Panthers wanted to add more offensive talent in the draft.
- 2nd round, WR Terrace Marshall out of LSU.
- In the last two years, he combined for 23 TDs
- With OC Joe Brady his ADOT (average depth of target) was over 15, which in the NFL would have been 1st – higher than Calvin Ridley and DK Metcalf
- 3rd round: OT Brady Christensen out of BYU
- Brady has improved every year he was at BYU according to PFF pass and run blocking grades
- He had a 99.5 Pass blocking efficiency and only allowed 3 pressures in 2020
- 3rd round: TE Tommy Tremble out of Notre Dame
- Although he did not have a large amount of receiving work he is a very good blocker and has potential to be a well-rounded NFL TE
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Darnold Outlook and Fantasy Football Potential
While I may not agree with the decision to pass on Justin Fields and go all-in on Sam Darnold, at least the Panthers are supporting Darnold more than the New York Jets did in three years. OC Joe Brady did wonders for Joe Burrow in their one year together at LSU, and the hope is that Brady and Rhule can fix Darnold’s decision-making.
Darnold was once thought to be the top QB in the draft in 2018, so there were traits that the NFL loved about his game. A change of scenery and more weapons lead to Darnold resurrecting his career much like Ryan Tannehill did after leaving Miami.
As far as fantasy-wise, Darnold would really only be useful in a Super-Flex league. In 1 QB leagues he would not be one of your top 12 to 14 options. As the 2nd QB on your team, I think Darnold could be a real asset, as Bridgewater finished QB19 in 2020.
I believe Darnold has more talent than Bridgewater and will hopefully have Mccaffery for a whole season. Rhule and Brady have made sure to surround Darnold with a load of talent so that he does not have to carry the team just distribute. The Panthers have shown they are 100% behind Darnold, so he can be a QB you can get cheap to fill out the depth at QB in dynasty leagues.
Brandon Haye
Brandon grew up in Jacksonville, Florida and works as a health insurance data analyst. He has no children, but two fur babies - Squirt and Brownie. He and his wife, Katie, spend their time playing poker and enjoying time with their pups. Brandon is a huge Michigan Wolverine and Jacksonville Jaguars fan. He at one time was in 77 fantasy leagues and loves the game of football. Brandon started writing for The Leauge Winners in 2021.