Podcast alert: John Clayton discusses the ceiling for Sam Darnold

New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold has a big upside, so says veteran NFL reporter John Clayton.

Hall of Fame NFL writer John Clayton is one of the preeminent national personalities covering the NFL. Inducted in 2007, Clayton was with ESPN from 1995-2017.  He joined Sports Illustrated’s ‘Jets Country’ contributor Seth Everett for the first of a series of SI Jets Podcasts.  This episode focuses on John’s overall thoughts on Jets quarterback Sam Darnold. 

Listen to the latest episode here:  https://soundcloud.com/seth-everett/conference-uid_6142400549486592  

With the departure of Tom Brady to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has the most seniority at quarterback in the AFC East.   The No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, he has been the starter since Week 1 of his rookie season, which is before Josh Allen became the starter with the Buffalo Bills.  Since then, he has battled injury and illness and is looking at 2020 as a chance solidify himself as a franchise quarterback. 

During the podcast, Clayton was asked about the celling for Darnold.   

How good can he be?  Is he still the highly touted quarterback that Clayton called the best Quarterback in the 2018 draft? What is it about Darnold that shows that he will continue to develop and mature both on the field and off?  “The Professor” as Clayton is known thinks Darnold will be an elite quarterback before too long.  As for why he will reach this elevation?  Listen to the podcast. 

Previous episodes of this podcast feature Clayton’s views on the Jets revamped offensive line.  Other episodes feature a fascinating discussion with Everett and SI’s Manager of Team Sites, Gary Myers.