Post by Deleted on Dec 11, 2017 15:32:17 GMT -6
2018 NFL draft big board: Updated top 25 prospects
By: Luke Easterling | December 4, 2017 5:56 pm ET
Link: draftwire.usatoday.com/2017/12/04/2018-nfl-draft-big-board-updated-top-25-prospects/
We’ve officially entered award and bowl season in the college football universe, as the top prospects in the 2018 NFL draft class look to put some finishing touches on their on-field resumes before hitting the all-star and workout circuits. As 2017 comes to a close, it’s time to update my top overall prospects for this year’s draft.
1. Bradley Chubb | EDGE | North Carolina State
A monster on the edge who converts speed to power and plays with a nasty disposition, Chubb is a complete defender who has been dominant and insanely productive over the past two seasons.
2. Quenton Nelson | G | Notre Dame
It’s rare to see an interior blocker this high, and I don’t expect Nelson to come off the board this early, but it’s hard to find a flaw in his game. He’ll be a steal anywhere outside the top five.
3. Saquon Barkley | RB | Penn State
Barkley’s stat line hasn’t been earth-shattering this season, but that doesn’t mean he’s not a rare talent with the ability to make an instant impact on all three downs at the next level.
4. Minkah Fitzpatrick | DB | Alabama
A versatile playmaker who can line up anywhere in the secondary, Fitzpatrick has experience at corner, but will likely make his money patrolling the deep part of the field at the next level.
5. Josh Rosen | QB | UCLA
This year’s quarterback class may not have lived up to the preseason hype, but Rosen’s skill set has plenty for NFL teams to get excited about. He’s my early favorite to go No. 1 overall if that team picking there needs a quarterback.
6. Lamar Jackson | QB | Louisville
If the team picking at No. 1 is willing to be a bit more risky, Jackson is well worth consideration. While the haters will keep harping that his skill set won’t translate to the NFL, I see an explosive playmaker with rare traits and as much upside as any passer in this class.
7. Roquan Smith | LB | Georgia
This year’s Butkus Award winner and MVP of the SEC title game, Smith is reminiscent of Reuben Foster, who was a top-10 prospect in last year’s class. His combination of range, athleticism, instincts and physicality will make him a dominant player in the NFL.
8. Derwin James | S | Florida State
James may not have all of his explosiveness back after missing a large portion of the 2016 season with a leg injury, but he’s still a rare defender with incredible athleticism and range.
9. Sam Darnold | QB | USC
After a ridiculous run in 2016, Darnold has come back down to earth a bit, showing flashes of brilliance mixed with plenty of head-scratching moments. Still there’s tons of upside here, and he won’t last long if he declares this time around.
10. Harold Landry | EDGE | Boston College
Last year’s FBS sack king, Landry is the poster-child for the versatile, explosive edge defender every NFL team covets nowadays. Regardless of scheme, Landry should be a three-down force from Day 1.
11. Derrius Guice | RB | LSU
12. Christian Wilkins | DL | Clemson
13. Arden Key | EDGE | LSU
14. Connor Williams | OT | Texas
15. Clelin Ferrell | EDGE | Clemson
16. Courtland Sutton | WR | SMU
17. Maurice Hurst | DL | Michigan
18. Malik Jefferson | LB | Texas
19. Marcus Allen | S | Penn State
20. Vita Vea | DL | Washington
21. Ronnie Harrison | S | Alabama
22. Mike McGlinchey | OT | Notre Dame
23. Rashaan Evans | LB | Alabama
24. Baker Mayfield | QB | Oklahoma
25. Da’Ron Payne | DL | Alabama
By: Luke Easterling | December 4, 2017 5:56 pm ET
Link: draftwire.usatoday.com/2017/12/04/2018-nfl-draft-big-board-updated-top-25-prospects/
We’ve officially entered award and bowl season in the college football universe, as the top prospects in the 2018 NFL draft class look to put some finishing touches on their on-field resumes before hitting the all-star and workout circuits. As 2017 comes to a close, it’s time to update my top overall prospects for this year’s draft.
1. Bradley Chubb | EDGE | North Carolina State
A monster on the edge who converts speed to power and plays with a nasty disposition, Chubb is a complete defender who has been dominant and insanely productive over the past two seasons.
2. Quenton Nelson | G | Notre Dame
It’s rare to see an interior blocker this high, and I don’t expect Nelson to come off the board this early, but it’s hard to find a flaw in his game. He’ll be a steal anywhere outside the top five.
3. Saquon Barkley | RB | Penn State
Barkley’s stat line hasn’t been earth-shattering this season, but that doesn’t mean he’s not a rare talent with the ability to make an instant impact on all three downs at the next level.
4. Minkah Fitzpatrick | DB | Alabama
A versatile playmaker who can line up anywhere in the secondary, Fitzpatrick has experience at corner, but will likely make his money patrolling the deep part of the field at the next level.
5. Josh Rosen | QB | UCLA
This year’s quarterback class may not have lived up to the preseason hype, but Rosen’s skill set has plenty for NFL teams to get excited about. He’s my early favorite to go No. 1 overall if that team picking there needs a quarterback.
6. Lamar Jackson | QB | Louisville
If the team picking at No. 1 is willing to be a bit more risky, Jackson is well worth consideration. While the haters will keep harping that his skill set won’t translate to the NFL, I see an explosive playmaker with rare traits and as much upside as any passer in this class.
7. Roquan Smith | LB | Georgia
This year’s Butkus Award winner and MVP of the SEC title game, Smith is reminiscent of Reuben Foster, who was a top-10 prospect in last year’s class. His combination of range, athleticism, instincts and physicality will make him a dominant player in the NFL.
8. Derwin James | S | Florida State
James may not have all of his explosiveness back after missing a large portion of the 2016 season with a leg injury, but he’s still a rare defender with incredible athleticism and range.
9. Sam Darnold | QB | USC
After a ridiculous run in 2016, Darnold has come back down to earth a bit, showing flashes of brilliance mixed with plenty of head-scratching moments. Still there’s tons of upside here, and he won’t last long if he declares this time around.
10. Harold Landry | EDGE | Boston College
Last year’s FBS sack king, Landry is the poster-child for the versatile, explosive edge defender every NFL team covets nowadays. Regardless of scheme, Landry should be a three-down force from Day 1.
11. Derrius Guice | RB | LSU
12. Christian Wilkins | DL | Clemson
13. Arden Key | EDGE | LSU
14. Connor Williams | OT | Texas
15. Clelin Ferrell | EDGE | Clemson
16. Courtland Sutton | WR | SMU
17. Maurice Hurst | DL | Michigan
18. Malik Jefferson | LB | Texas
19. Marcus Allen | S | Penn State
20. Vita Vea | DL | Washington
21. Ronnie Harrison | S | Alabama
22. Mike McGlinchey | OT | Notre Dame
23. Rashaan Evans | LB | Alabama
24. Baker Mayfield | QB | Oklahoma
25. Da’Ron Payne | DL | Alabama
