On a depth chart loaded with experience, New York Jets rookie quarterback Sam Darnold received his first taste of first-team reps on Monday
Todd Bowles on Sam Darnold: He's been progressing… He's seeing things for the first time… As the days go by, he is getting more comfortable. Says Darnold taking 1st-team reps today is nothing to read into. Reps even out by the end of the week. #Jets #OTAs
— Eric Allen (@eallenjets) May 29, 2018
The No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Darnold is quickly adjusting to life in the NFL and starting to gain more comfort in the offense and earning the trust of the coaching staff.
While Darnold is still behind Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater, who could start for New York in Week 1, it’s a positive sign for the rookie to gain this experience early during organized team activities and work with some of New York’s top wide receivers and the first-team offensive line.
After a shaky debut to start OTAs (and despite Bowles’ comment about it being nothing to read into), this can be a big step forward for the 20-year-old as he works to gain the belief of his coaching staff and teammates.
Fortunately, he’ll have some great mentors to learn from with the quarterbacks ahead of him and the team can bring him along at his own pace.