Jalen Darden

[Hunter Green]

Watching the NFL draft and not expecting anyone from UNT to be drafted. Made me think of Darden who's with the Browns now and wondering if he'll make a contribution or not. What are the thoughts about his not flourishing with yhe Bucs? NFL offenses too complex? If he couldn't flourish under Brady, who wanted him, what do we expect of him with the Browns?

[GMG_Dallas]

Whether Brady wanted him or not, I think the Buccs were a terrible spot for him considering all the WR talent they had. Evans, Godwin, Brown were all probowl talents and coming off a Super Bowl season. Add in Gronkowski at TE and there just wasn't many targets available early on in his career. Breshad Perriman, a former 1st round pick, couldn't establish himself in that room either despite having a decent couple years in 2019 and 2020. Just a deep receiver room for a rookie to come into.

I do think this is a boom or bust season for him. Believe it's the last year of the rookie deal.

Edited April 29, 2023 by GMG_Dallas

[UNT 90 Grad]

UNT has had some success in finding talent where their skills make up for a lack of physical measurables.  Unfortunately that rarely translates to the NFL.   Darden is too small, IMO.  

[Cr1028]

Jaelon

[CaribbeanGreen]

Couldn’t get on the field at WR in Tampa. The system, the QB, none of that matters if you aren’t out there. Hoping he gets some run in the offense in CLE