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Nathan Shepherd pick and Sam Darnold’s press conference . . .
Jets third round pick Nathan Shepherd was a solid pick who is a good fit for the 3-4 end position in the team’s defense.
But there is something about the pick I don’t totally understand.
While the Jets’ third-round pick is a talented prospect, I don’t totally understand picking a raw, developmental player, who might not be able to help your team immediately, after not having any second-round picks.
And the Jets’ first-round pick Sam Darnold likely isn’t going to play much this year. It’s likely going to be an NFL redshirt year for the 20-year-old.
So you could make the argument the Jets aren’t going to get much, or any impact, from the first three rounds in 2018.
Interesting . . .
Speaking of Darnold, I thought he did a superb job in his introductory press conference in Florham Park today.
Once again, just like on Thursday’s conference call presser, he didn’t fall for any of the trap questions.
Here is a trap question from the Daily News that was a doozy –
“Would you deem anything other than winning a Super Bowl a success in his career here?”
Darnold: I think winning a Super Bowl is everyone’s goal entering the season, whether I’m a backup or whether I’m the starting quarterback. Everyone on the team wants to win a Super Bowl. That’s the goal for everyone. Anything short of that is a failure and we’re aware of that. Everyone is aware of that. Whatever my role is, I’m going to star in that role to work us towards that Super Bowl.
That was a great answer. He didn’t minimize the importance of winning a Super Bowl, but he didn’t pin it to his career.
And there were some questions about the Jets’ long history of struggles, and long history of searching for a quarterback.
None of these things have anything to do with him, unless you believe in the paranormal.
“I am aware of it,” Darnold said. “Not growing up a Jets fan, I don’t understand it quite to that extent. I am going to come in here and do my job and be very confident in myself.”
That is all he can do, is his job. He can’t be a historian like Michael Beschloss. He can’t chase windmills that have nothing to do with his development as a quarterback. The Jets history has nothing to do with him.
He was also asked about how exciting it is to be so close to New York City.
“To be honest, I am not even thinking about that,” Darnold said. “I am really just worried about coming in here and meeting the guys and just learning as fast as I can.”
Great answer. What good would come of him talking about going to New York City? Smart to stay away from that stuff.
I came out of this press conference very impressed with him. He’s wise beyond his 20 years. He comes across like someone ten years older.
April 27, 2018
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