New Jets head coach Robert Saleh remains noncommittal on QB Sam Darnold

New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh has held the job for only roughly two weeks but has already mastered the art of praising quarterback Sam Darnold without committing to the 23-year-old as his long-term starter. 

As Jelani Scott noted for the league's official website, Saleh tip-toed around the subject during a recent appearance on the "Huddle & Flow" podcast:

"We just got here, we're just starting to watch all this tape, watch the personnel that's here, quarterback, receiver, O-line, D-line, linebackers, DBs so you're going through that entire process. What I can tell you about Sam is that he is an unbelievable talent. There's a reason why he was the third overall pick, it's very clear, just watch the tape. Production aside, just watch the player. He's got tremendous mobility, he's got arm talent, he's fearless, he's smart, he's a good, precise decision-maker. He's loved in the locker room, people adore him around this building. There's a reason why he's [a] third overall pick and, let's be real, he's 23 years old so he hasn't even scratched the surface of life yet." 

Saleh made similar comments last Thursday while speaking with reporters. "He's fearless in the pocket," Saleh said of Darnold at that time. "He's got a natural throwing motion. He's mobile. He's extremely intelligent. He's tough as nails. His reputation in the locker room is unquestioned. Just that in general, there's a reason he was the third pick in the draft and you can see all those qualities on tape and around the building and the way people speak about him."

Saleh's nice words this month haven't convinced a trio of CBS Sports analysts or draft guru Walter Cherepinsky, all of whom currently believe the Jets will use the second overall pick of the upcoming draft to select Darnold's replacement. 

Earlier this week, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. explained that he thinks the Jets will give Darnold one more season as well as Heisman Trophy winner and Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver DeVonta Smith as a new No. 1. target.