Is history stacked against Sam Darnold's success? Panthers don't think so

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- History may not seem like it's on the side of Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold, who was acquired in a trade with the New York Jets last week.

It shows quarterbacks selected with high draft picks that struggle with their first team continue to struggle in their second, or even third, stop. It shows the early damage done mentally, physically or both makes it unlikely that quarterback will lead his next team to a Super Bowl.

The NFL landscape is littered with college stars such as Ryan Leaf, JaMarcus Russell and Heath Shuler who have walked in Darnold’s cleats, entering the league with lofty expectations and leaving with unfulfilled dreams.

There are some notable…