What do you think made it click for Sam Darnold? (35 Viewers)

[educator_71]

Where was this Sam Darnold? He came out of nowhere to become one of the nfl's best this year. Do you think it's a one year wonder thing or a true picture? Kinda similar to Baker Mayfield? Thoughts?

 

[RaginSaint93]

O-line

 

[Infoman]

He has the 2nd best WR in football…. It’s not that hard. Surround your mid QB with incredible weapons and he will look pretty damn good.

Which is why I’ve been pounding the table for a draft full of young and uber talented playmakers on offense.

He’s had solid Olines before…. He’s never had a Justin Jefferson.

 

[SuperSaint]

It all comes down to the right fit.

FO, coaching, personnel.

It's all connected.

 

[Saint Taysom]

COACHING. 100%

 

[LetsGetWaffles]

He has the 2nd best WR in football…. It’s not that hard. Surround your mid QB with incredible weapons and he will look pretty damn good.

Which is why I’ve been pounding the table for a draft full of young and uber talented playmakers on offense.

He’s had solid Olines before…. He’s never had a Justin Jefferson.

Pretty much every mock draft I’ve done, this is the basic strategy I’ve had. Trade back around 5-10 picks (I know it’s not a given that this will be an option nor that Loomis would even do it if the opportunity presents itself) so we can get another 2nd and 4th rounder this year (maybe a little lagniappe in the ‘26 draft too), draft 1-3 bigger bodied possession/contested catch WR/TEs to compliment Olave and Sheed, 1 or 2 pass rushers, 1 NT, and 2 OLs. Focus on players who will allow us to throw the ball more and attack the opposing QBs. That’s it. Without those 2 facets of the game being locked up, nothing else matters.

 

[Infoman]

Pretty much every mock draft I’ve done, this is the basic strategy I’ve had. Trade back around 5-10 picks so we can get another 2nd and 4th rounder this year (maybe a little lagniappe in the ‘26 draft too), draft 1-3 bigger bodies possession/contested catch WR/TEs, 1 or 2 pass rushers, 1 NT, and 2 OLs. Focus on players who will allow us to throw the ball more and attack the opposing QBs. That’s it. Without those 2 facets of the game being locked up, nothing else matters.

I’d love to see that happen…. But if we trade back at all…. It has to be for a guy like Tyler Warren, and you need a willing partner and you better be sure your guy will be where you are dropping down to.

Risky…. Best case scenario is TMac falls to us where we pick.

Else wise agreed.

 

[Snakehead]

1. He didn't come from nowhere. He was a 4* recruit and showed flashes in college leading to being drafted #3 overall in the 2018 draft.

2. He went to one of the worst organizations in football who did not develop him and gave up too soon.

3. He went to another bad organization who didn't develop him.

4. He ended up in SF and got a little boost.

5. He signed with the Vikings and Kevin O'Connell. He was already bearing McCarthy out in TC and when McCarthy went down, Darnold got his chance with a coach who believed in him and developed him.

It helps to have JJ and Addison, but he's looked good, like 3rd overall good most of the year.

Teams give up on young QBs too quick. Many of these guys aren't ready for the NFL when they get there, they take time.

Minnesota should extend him and trade McCarthy as they can probably recoup a decent draft capital for him considering what's available in this draft class.

 

[DeuceMcAllisterFan]

He was in Shanahan's system a year ago and he probably learned a lot when he was on the bench there. Some guys just need time before they are ready. It helps that he has a polished offense to work with.

 

[LetsGetWaffles]

I’d love to see that happen…. But if we trade back at all…. It has to be for a guy like Tyler Warren, and you need a willing partner and you better be sure your guy will be where you are dropping down to.

Risky…. Best case scenario is TMac falls to us where we pick.

Else wise agreed.

I agree that TMac falling to #9 is best case scenario imo. I’m not a fan of TE or RB in the first, but I wouldn’t be upset w Warren only if we are able to trade back into the mid teens early 20s. If not WR or DE in the 1st, the only other position I think would sync up w need and value would be one of the top 2 safeties, Emmanwori or Starks.

Both are versatile playmaking ballers who would add an element of unpredictability for offenses to account for. In the 2018 draft when we traded up for Davenport I was certain that we were going to select Derwin James, who Starks reminds me of, and in the 2022 draft if we weren’t going to go w Olave I was hoping it was going to be Kyle Hamilton who reminds me of Emmanwori.

Those are the only 2 guys I want in the first this year if we can’t get a top notch WR, DE, or NT.

***Opinion subject to change as the draft process and offseason continue where I read and watch things and listen to people in the media and pretend I actually know what I’m talking about. I go by the eye test and it’s not always accurate. What I’m trying to say here is I’m excited we can really talk about the draft now, and I love it bc it gives me hope that we’ll be better next year after adding some of these players we talk about here.***

 

[Infoman]

I agree that TMac falling to #9 is best case scenario imo. I’m not a fan of TE or RB in the first, but I wouldn’t be upset w Warren only if we are able to trade back into the mid teens early 20s. If not WR or DE in the 1st, the only other position I think would sync up w need and value at the position would be one of the top 2 safeties, Emmanwori or Starks.

Both are versatile playmaking ballers who would add an element on unpredictability for offenses to account for. In the 2018 draft when we traded up for Davenport I was certain that we were going to select Derwin James, who Starks reminds me of, and in the 2022 draft if we weren’t going to go w Olave I was hoping it was going to be Kyle Hamilton who reminds me of Emmanwori.

Those are the only 2 guys I want in the first this year if we can’t get a top notch WR or DE. Opinion subject to change as the draft process and offseason continue.

You know where I am in this draft.. I don’t want to see any Linemen on either side of the ball taken in the 1st round…. Nor any defensive player for that matter.

Do we need those guys? Sure. We need guys at every position.

If we don’t come out of this draft with a stud offensive playmaker with a top 10 pick, and we keep Carr as the starter…. Next year will look a lot like this past year…

A bunch of one score games that we are on the wrong side of.

That’s just where I think we are.

A DE, OLine, S, DT etc. is not going to move our win needle next year.

Drafting the next George Kittle or Mike Evans just might.

 

[LetsGetWaffles]

You know where I am in this draft.. I don’t want to see any Linemen on either side of the ball taken in the 1st round…. Nor any defensive player for that matter.

Do we need those guys? Sure. We need guys at every position.

If we don’t come out of this draft with a stud offensive playmaker with a top 10 pick, and we keep Carr as the starter…. Next year will look a lot like this past year…

A bunch of one score games that we are on the wrong side of.

That’s just where I think we are.

A DE, OLine, S, DT etc. is not going to move our win needle next year.

Drafting the next George Kittle or Mike Evans just might.

All things equal, I do agree that one of those types would do the most for adding to the win column next year by helping Carr/Rattler/whoever ends up being out starter, however, reaching for a mediocre skill position guy when an all-star caliber lineman or defender is available will ensure that we remain a 5-7 win team for the next few years too. I think most people would agree that we’re not going to be a playoff team next year either unless we have a ‘06 or ‘17 type draft class, and draft classes like that don’t happen when you draft for position over quality. The draft isn’t just about making the team better next season especially when we’re bringing in a new coaching staff. We’re building a new house, and we can only build a 3 story mansion if the foundation is solid. The pretty window and door frames will crack, warp, and let the air in without a quality foundation.

 

[Saint Greg]

I can’t remember who it was but one of the analysts on ESPN last offseason before free agency said he would be the QB that breaks out this year. He said it was his year with Shanahan.

 

[meily]

Offensive System and coach.

 

[DerrickB]

Where was this Sam Darnold? He came out of nowhere to become one of the nfl's best this year. Do you think it's a one year wonder thing or a true picture? Kinda similar to Baker Mayfield? Thoughts?

Coaching matters

But I think his future with Minnesota will hinge on how he performs tomorrow against the Rams.