United States of America eSeries: Sam Darnold trade necessitates a mock draft update

Sam Darnold trade necessitates a mock draft update

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Monday, April 12

Sam Darnold was traded by the Jets last week, making the team's intentions for the upcoming draft quite clear.

There are just 17 more shopping days until the NFL draft.

While teams are working vigorously to finalize their draft boards, pundits are busy cranking out mock drafts.

USA TODAY Sports' latest first-round projection has five quarterbacks getting selected in the top nine picks.

The latest domino to fall in this offseason of quarterback musical chairs was the trade of Sam Darnold from the New York Jets to the Carolina Panthers. So, good luck to whichever quarterback the Jets select at No. 2 overall. The Jets' post-Joe Namath era first-round QBs (Richard Todd, Ken O'Brien, Chad Pennington, Mark Sanchez and Darnold) all fell short of taking the woebegone franchise to the Super Bowl.

As for the quarterback expected to go No. 1, Trevor Lawrence, he enjoyed quite a weekend, spending time at the Masters and getting married (plus, wedding gifts from Jacksonville Jaguars fans).

Hopefully Lawrence doesn't earn himself a spot on this list in the future: the 101 biggest NFL draft busts in history.

•	Mock draft: Sam Darnold trade reshuffles QB outlook
•	10 prospects who could have better careers as pros
•	Two of top QBs accept invites to attend draft in Cleveland
•	Who is the second-best QB in this year's draft?
•	Draft Wire's position-by-position prospect rankings
•	Full 2021 NFL draft order: From pick No. 1 (Jaguars) to No. 259 (Buccaneers)

Could Zach Wilson be the latest QB to attempt to push the Jets into prominence?

Rick Bowmer, USA TODAY NETWORK

•	PHOTOS: Latest mock draft

Who are best remaining free agents?

•	Free agency tracker: All of the offseason's major moves

Alex Smith is among the notable players still looking for a new team for 2021.

Jerome Miron, USA TODAY Sports

•	PHOTOS: Old faces in new places

•	Deshaun Watson's attorney says there were "sometimes consensual encounters" during Watson's massage sessions. The question "has always been about consent."
•	In an interview with "Good Morning America," Tom Brady reflected on leaving the Patriots and his "not smart" Lombardi Trophy toss.
•	Aaron Rodgers experienced an eventual first week as "Jeopardy!" host, getting trolled over the NFC championship game, making Turd Ferguson and Star Wars references, and the Four Degrees of Vince Lombardi.
•	The Colts are eager to see what second-year QB Jacob Eason can do with a full offseason of work.