Todd Bowles on Sam Darnold: There Is 'No Timetable' for When QB Will Start

New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles suggested Thursday that there is no set plan for when USC's Sam Darnold will become the starting quarterback for Gang Green.

After selecting Darnold with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft, Bowles said he would just let development take its course with the young signal-caller, according to NJ.com's Darryl Slater: 

"Once we get him in and he starts the playbook, there is no timetable. We have to see how fast he learns, and then get some experience. We're not going to throw him in there, but at the same time, we're not going to hold him back either." 

New York already had a crowded quarterback depth chart before selecting Darnold, with Josh McCown, Teddy Bridgewater, Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg on the roster.

New York moved up from No. 6 to No. 3 in the draft several weeks ago with a specific eye toward finding a franchise quarterback.

While every signal-caller in the 2018 draft has some question marks, Darnold has a unique blend of arm strength, accuracy and mobility that could make him the complete package at the next level.

He became the talk of college football two seasons ago when he threw for 3,086 yards, 31 touchdowns and nine interceptions as a redshirt freshman, but his play dropped off a bit in 2017.

Darnold finished with 4,143 yards 26 touchdowns and 13 picks, as turnovers became a significant issue during his sophomore campaign.

The Jets are in an advantageous position in terms of being able to bring Darnold along slowly if need be.

McCown showed last season that he still has plenty left in the tank, and it wouldn't be the worst thing for New York to start the veteran for the entirety of 2018.

Also, Bridgewater is a former first-round pick with plenty of potential and the ability to hold down the fort until Darnold is ready.

Although New York has no shortage of depth under center, Darnold was undoubtedly taken with the No. 3 overall pick with an eye toward making him the starter in the near future and perhaps ending what is currently a seven-year playoff drought.