NFL: 2018's Top-15 Draft Prospects
1. Arden Key (EDGE - LSU): Key has been an up-and-coming star for the Tigers over the last couple of seasons, and in 2017-18, he has a lot expected from him. And with his quickness off of the edge, as well as his daunting physical stature, he's a sure fire top-5 prospect and could be a Pro Bowl level talent within three years.
2. Sam Darnold (QB - USC): Darnold led USC back to relevancy in 2016-17, and now, going into his sophomore season, he's already being talked about as the Heisman favorite. If Darnold's second year is anything like his first, he should be one of the first two quarterbacks taken next spring.
3. Saquon Barkley (HB - Penn State): Barkley's career at Penn State has been tremendously undervalued, but now that the team is starting to win games, people are taking notice, and with no clear cut No. 2 running back in this class, Barkley should betaken in the top-10. It only helps Barkley's case that Todd Gurley, Ezekiel Elliott, and Leonard Fournette have all been selected in the top-10 over the last three years.
4. Josh Rosen (QB - UCLA): Rosen's name has been in the news after his controversial interview with Bleacher Report, in which he said athletes and school don't go together, but solely looking at his style of play, he has the look of an NFL quarterback. Although, after two years with UCLA, Rosen hasn't quite lived up to the hype. He needs a big time campaign to remain in the top-5.
5. Lamar Jackson (QB - Louisville): Jackson's 2016-17 season will go down in the history books, as he took home the coveted Heisman trophy award, and his illustrious career could become even more decorated if he becomes only the second player ever to win back-to-back Stiff Arms. Jackson's athleticism and scrambling ability doesn't all work well in The League, but with his talent, it'd be hard to pass.
6. Trey Adams (OT - Washington): Adams has developed great agility and strength during his time at Washington, while helping the team reach the 2016 College Football Playoff. He's expected to be the first offensive tackle taken in the 2018 NFL Draft, if all goes to plan for the Huskies this season.
7. Josh Allen (QB - Wyoming): Allen is this years Carson Wentz, and given how his first season with the Philadelphia Eagles went, whoever takes Allen could be in store for a pure passer. He's began raising eyes, and has a lot of hype around him heading into the fall, so if Allen is able to showcase his arm strength and play calling ability, there will be a team desperate for a quarterback who will come calling early in Round 1.
8. Christian Kirk (WR - Texas A&M): Kirk has proved over the last few seasons that being a successful wide receiver and being tall don't always have to coincide. Even with his small frame, Kirk's speed and quickness is incredible (i.e. John Ross), and whichever NFL team needs a playmaker on the outside, who can threaten for a deep ball at any moment, will certainly give the Texas A&M wideout a look.
9. Mike McGlinchey (OT - Notre Dame): McGlinchey has gone mainly under the radar during his time in South Bend, since he is playing, for the most part, and unheralded position, but that doesn't mean that NFL general managers don't see the impact he's been making on the field. He could be a top-10 pick in April.
10. Sam Hubbard (DE - Ohio State): Hubbard has become one of the best defensive players in the country, while under Urban Meyer, and with with Raekwon McMillan now on the Miami Dolphins, it's 100 percent Hubbard's defense. This year is really going to show just how talented and NFL-ready Hubbard is.
11. Calvin Ridley (WR - Alabama): Ridley experienced a breakout freshman season in 2015, helping the Crimson Tide to a national title, and even though 2016 wasn't quite as eye-popping, it was still obvious that Ridley has immense talent. He should be one of the first three wide receivers drafted, alongside Texas A&M's Kirk and Oklahoma State's James Washington.
12. Conor Williams (OT - Texas): Williams is in a great position right now, slotted at the No. 12 overall selection, but from what I've been hearing, the NFL scouts believe he may be the No. 1 pick come next year. He has that kind of upside and if he lays it all out there for the Longhorns this season, it could drastically help his draft grade.
13. Derwin James (S - Florida State): James is one of the top players in the nation, which is one reason he was ESPN's No. 1 College Football Athlete, and if he can stay healthy for the entire season, something he failed to do last year, we could be in for a treat. James doesn't have much else to prove in terms of skill, but he must show his durability for the 'Noles.
14. Da'Ron Payne (DT - Alabama): Payne hasn't gotten a ton of love from the media during his time with Alabama, namely because Johnathan Allen stole the show on the defensive line, but Payne is the real deal and he has the opportunity to display that on the biggest of stages in 2017-18.
15. Harold Landry (DE - Boston College): Landry is a man among boys in the ACC, and the only reason he hasn't been talked about more, is because Boston College isn't exactly a football powerhouse. But that doesn't take anything away from Landry's technique or his potential. He'll be a Round 1 pick.
Photo Credit: Sports Illustrated and The Seattle Times.
