Christopher Johnson: Sam Darnold Pick Will Be Seen as Moment Jets Became Great

Sam Darnold has yet to play a snap for the New York Jets, but that didn't stop team CEO Christopher Johnson from hyping up what the quarterback's arrival could mean for the franchise.

"I honestly think [people] are going to look back 20 years from now and say this is the moment the Jets shifted into a new gear, that they became a great team," Johnson told reporters Tuesday at a charity event.

The Jets selected Darnold with the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft, addressing a longstanding need. Since 2000, eight different players have finished as New York's leading passer. Of that group, only Brett Favre reached a Pro Bowl.

The Jets traded up to get a quarterback, swapping first-rounders with the Indianapolis Colts and sending three second-round picks to Indianapolis. It was a big price to pay to move up three picks, but the deal should be worth it down the line.

Darnold threw for 7,229 yards and 57 touchdowns in two years with USC. Bleacher Report's Matt Miller ranked the former Trojans star as the No. 1 quarterback in this year's draft class, comparing him to Tony Romo.

Johnson may not have done Darnold a favor by putting such high expectations on him, but the presence of Teddy Bridgewater and Josh McCown should ensure the Jets don't start Darnold before he's ready.

If Darnold fulfills his potential, then his selection in the draft could certainly be a turning point for the Jets, who have struggled for more than two decades to find a franchise quarterback.