Jets CEO: Darnold pick will be moment that shifted franchise to greatness

New York Jets CEO Christopher Johnson is expecting fans to fondly recall the 2018 NFL Draft and the third overall selection of quarterback Sam Darnold for many years to come.

"I think people are going to look back - I honestly think they're going to look back 20 years from now and say this is the moment the Jets shifted into a new year, that they became a great team," Johnson told reporters at a charity event in Manhattan, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN.

Darnold was the second quarterback chosen, behind No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield.

Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan has said that Darnold will be given the opportunity to compete against veterans Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater for the Week 1 starting job.

Johnson believes that whether or not Darnold wins the competition won't affect what he expects to be a long relationship between player and team.

"I think we've got a real future with this kid and he's not even 21 yet," Johnson said. "We might have a long time with this young man. I hope so because right now I really think he's our future."

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