Darnold (6-foot-3, 221 pounds) compares to the group from a physical standpoint, as he's roughly the same size now as he was when he stepped foot on USC. Yet, Darnold possesses several different qualities that will allow him to break the "struggling USC quarterback" mold. The most apparent attribute Darnold possesses is his ability to go above and beyond the play call and transcend the Xs and Os. Leinart couldn't do that in the NFL. Sanchez could every once in a blue moon. Palmer could do it from a throwing standpoint but not a dynamic, playmaking one. Darnold doesn't need to have the perfect pocket or conditions to make a throw, possessing the ability to slide in the pocket and make incredibly accurate throws when off balance. Anyone who watched him at USC knows what I'm talking about; he does this a lot. For another example, look at Darnold's pro-day performance. His receivers ran deep crossing routes and every throw was right on the money ... in the pouring rain. That's not easy to do, but Darnold doesn't (and won't) shy away from anything that's asked of him. A natural thrower with solid mechanics, Darnold plays the quarterback position like a shortstop, delivering accurate throws without being in perfect conditions.