Cleveland Browns: Even with poor weather Sam Darnold will help his case at pro day
By Ryan Rosko
The next possible Cleveland Browns quarterback will continue to impress in front of NFL personnel even with the expected poor weather.
There are many events that go on during the month of March that NFL teams are involved in. One popular one is attending collegiate pro days. The Cleveland Browns among many others will be attending USC’s pro day which happens to be on Wednesday.
The headlining participant during their pro day will be quarterback Sam Darnold. Wednesday will be important for Darnold for a number of reasons, but most importantly because he did not throw at the combine.
This will be Cleveland’s lone chance outside of a private workout to see Darnold throw. If the Browns like what they see he may cement himself as the choice atop the draft order sooner rather than later.
Like it or not, he could be drafted first overall by the Browns next month.
While pro days are scripted, it is ultimately up to the players to execute the job at hand. That said, some things are simply out of their control.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, rain is expected in Los Angeles, CA.
Rain is in forecast for USC QB Sam Darnold's Pro Day on Wednesday. But after not throwing at the combine, Darnold will be throwing Wednesday, even in the rain.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 19, 2018
Darnold has done plenty to be in the discussion for the first pick. Despite the limited amount of games in poor weather conditions, his arm talent and athleticsim won’t go unnoticed.
Some people including myself view him as the top quarterback in the draft. Darnold has been seen as a possible first pick for a couple of years now. On top of his tape, his pro day can help make that become a reality.
That is not to say he does not have his flaws. Darnold, who did complete nearly 65% in his career, has flaws just like the rest of the 2018 class.
If the rain, in fact, impacts the pro day, seeing Darnold go through his progressions and overall script will be key. By doing so, Cleveland will see how he can handle the poor weather, which will be critical to his success when playing in NE Ohio; whether that is as a Brown or a visitor.
All four seasons can be seen in one day in Ohio, something that obviously isn’t the case on the west coast.
No water bottles are going to be needed to see how Darnold reacts. However, with the weather factor, maybe Cleveland asks him to do some things afterward. You know, concepts that will align more with the AFCN.
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While pro days are not games or even practices, maybe something Darnold does change the doubters minds on him. Regardless if that happens or not, Darnold is going to put on a show as he should just like the other QBs have or will do. Rain won’t stop the work Darnold has put in to make a great impression.