Sam Darnold Joins FIRST THINGS FIRST Ahead of this Week’s 2018 NFL Draft

NEW YORK – For the first time ever, the 2018 NFL Draft is coming to FOX. Beginning Thursday, April 26, Rounds 1 through 3 are simulcast on the FOX broadcast network and NFL Network, highlighted by FOX NFL lead analyst Troy Aikman and FOX College Football lead analyst Joel Klatt offering insights as the Draft unfolds.

FOX Sports’ ongoing preview coverage continued this morning as top prospect Sam Darnold joined FIRST THINGS FIRST WITH CRIS CARTER AND NICK WRIGHT to discuss his mindset leading up to the draft, what makes him different from his peers and more.

"I like to give people hope in the locker room…there’s just something about me that’s a little bit different.” — Sam Darnold pic.twitter.com/fV4RvFLAeV

— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) April 23, 2018

Darnold on potentially being the No.1 selection in 2018:
“I’m not going to lie to you, it’d be awesome to be that No. 1 pick. With the teams sitting up there with the opportunity to maybe trade up, or the Browns where they’re sitting at right now, everyone has an opportunity to win in the near future. So I’d be really happy to be the No. 1 pick, but at the same time I can’t worry about that, and I’m really just looking forward to being with the team that wants me.”

Darnold on what he wants to improve on the field:
“I think just taking care of the ball, first of all. But also being able to understand what a defense is trying to do to me pre-snap, and then really understanding what they’re doing post-snap as well. There’s so much that goes into it, but I’m really just trying to get better every day, day in and day out.”

Darnold on what sets him apart from other QB prospects:
“I think I’m a very natural leader. I like to give people hope in the locker room. Whether it’s how I play or the way that I act on and off the field, I think there’s just something about me that’s a little bit different.”