Sam Darnold
Darnold just declared for the draft on Wednesday. The USC quarterback was an early favorite to be the top pick in the NFL draft.
He may still be but his recent performance in the Cotton Bowl against Ohio State was shaky. It wasn’t horrible, just not Darnold-like.
He was considering returning to school. With still two years of eligibility and a chance he might go to the Cleveland Browns it certainly wasn’t a bad idea.
That said, he should still be good for whoever picks him in the draft. The biggest concern is that he only had two years of playing time in college. He is three years removed from high school but had a redshirt season.
If Darnold does go to the Cardinals, it will be because they gave up a lot to get him. There are some movable pieces for the Cardinals to trade with but would it be worth giving up so much of what is known against what is unknown?