The following is our ranking by position of the offensive talent in the 2018 NFL Draft, with round grade in parentheses. That isn't the round we believe the player will be drafted, but is where we rate their talent. There are 10 true round one talents on offense this year, at least to these eyes. The top five at each position have comments about their play.
QUARTERBACK
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| Josh Rosen (Palm Beach Post) |
Strengths: Excellent mechanics and exemplary footwork make Rosen the most naturally gifted thrower in this draft. Great poise in the pocket, very good identifying defenses and pre-snap reads. Anchors himself well in the pocket, but can climb the pocket when necessary. Isn't afraid of pressure, will hang on to the ball in the face of a rush (completed 63 percent vs. the blitz in 2017). Can throw receivers open, and has excellent touch.
Weaknesses: There are questions about his leadership, about whether he is passionate enough about football to be truly great. Durability issues, was hurt often at UCLA. Has not been great on deep throws, needs to drive the football more in that area. Arm strength just average. Not mobile, so will need to go to a team with great protection or creative protection schemes.
2 Baker Mayfield/Oklahoma (1)
Strengths: Has a gunslinger mentality and led the nation in yards per attempt as a senior (11.8). Excellent mobility, able to keep plays alive and find open targets. High football IQ, able to process reads very quickly. Quick setup in pocket. Good at moving safeties with his eyes. Better than expected arm strength and talent. Gets added zip on the ball by utilizing his lower body on throws. Top-end production as a red zone passer.
Weaknesses: Could be scheme dependent. Gets a lot of passes batted down at line of scrimmage, largely due to his drop-down release. Has to improve consistency of footwork. Sometimes creeps up into pressure. Makes too many back foot throws. Must find a way to put more zip on his deep passes as they have a tendency to hang in the air.
3 Sam Darnold/USC (1)
Strengths: Prototype NFL build and arm talent. Better athlete than his frame indicates. Excellent mobility in the pocket and can read the field as well as any of this year's prospects. Great velocity. Keeps his eyes downfield, looks off safeties and takes what the defense gives rather than forcing the issue. Excellent anticipation. Fearless with his throws. Can make the deep out throw with ease, is precise with his timing. Has been lauded for his toughness and leadership abilities.
Weaknesses: Propensity for turnovers (13 INTs, 11 fumbles) is a worry, much of it due to ball dropping to his waist on setup. Has a very elongated release. Turnovers more a product of poor decision-making than bad throws. Zips short passes too often. Doesn't always do a great job leading his target, and his deep touch could be better.
4 Mason Rudolph/Oklahoma State (1-2)
Strengths: Excels at downfield throws and off of play-action. Solid at reading defenses and very good with his timing. Lets routes develop and receivers get clear. Keeps his eyes downfield. Good at reading safeties and going through his progressions.
Weaknesses: Ball will sail due to lack of drive from lower body. Arm is accurate, but lacks velocity. Gets thrown off rhythm when he has to scramble. Was assisted at times on downfield throws by receivers willing to fight for the ball. Can be lacking in ball security.
5 Lamar Jackson/Louisville (1-2)
Strengths: Though there are concerns about his accuracy, he improved each season. Off the charts athleticism. Has a lively arm, and a delivery that is very smooth. Despite operating in an RPO offense he has pocket poise. Excellent improvisational skills, can keep plays alive. Will be dangerous option in the red zone, more with his legs but also with his quick delivery.
Weaknesses: Doesn't always drive the ball, and his wrist flick allows deep balls to hang in the air. Has a very thin base, and his footwork leaves a lot to be desired. At times flips the ball rather than throwing it. Is reluctant to challenge safeties down the seam. Despite his height he gets an alarming number of passes tipped, due mainly to a low release point. Athleticism belies the fact that his rollout accuracy is poor. Does not have great touch on intermediate passes over the middle.
6 Josh Allen/Wyoming (2)
7 Kyle Lauletta/Richmond (3)
8 Chase Litton/Marshall (3-4)
9 Mike White/Western Kentucky (4)
10 Logan Woodside/Toledo (4)
11 Kurt Benkert/Virginia (4-5)
12 John Wolford/Wake Forest (5)
13 Nick Stevens/Colorado State (5)
14 Riley Ferguson/Memphis (5-6)
15 Nic Shimonek/Texas Tech (6)
16 Luke Falk/Washington State (6)
17 JT Barrett/Ohio State (6-7)
18 Jeremiah Briscoe/Sam Houston State (7)
RUNNING BACK
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| Saquon Barkley (Cleveland.com) |
1 Saquon Barkley/Penn State (1)
Strengths: Outstanding speed (4.4) for his size (233 pounds). Excellent speed and vision in the open field. A volume ball carrier, gets stronger as the game progresses. Very good footwork, explodes off of cuts. Breaks ankles with his start-stop ability and jump cuts. Excellent lateral burst. Very good as a pass catcher and was elite in the return game for Penn State.
Weaknesses: Not as powerful as his size would dictate. Didn't break a lot of tackles. Has to go north/south more often and not dance behind the line. Often does too much juking instead of running, allowing tacklers to get to him. Not consistent in pass protection.
2 Ronald Jones II/USC (1)
Strengths: Slasher, with explosiveness to take any carry to the end zone. Trusts his blockers and doesn't tip off his cutback intentions. Puts his foot in the ground and goes. Has the quickness to get out of traffic and make something out of nothing. Isn't afraid to take on contact. Ball security a plus, fumbled just twice in nearly 600 carries at USC. Willing blocker.
Weaknesses: Lean frame means his touch count needs to be monitored. Doesn't always run with a plan, too much improvisation. Sometimes is impatient behind his blockers. Takes too many hits in quest for extra yardage. Need to improve in setting up cutbacks on stretch plays.
3 Sony Michel/Georgia (1-2)
Strengths: Good vision and physicality. At his best when running north/south. Very decisive with his runs. Excellent on inside zone plays. Good acceleration at the second level allows him to make big plays. Can break tackles. Very good in blitz pickup and isn't afraid to block in pass protection.
Weaknesses: Not terribly agile, which affects his late cutting ability. Some of his runs were scheme related, he didn't create a ton of his own yardage. Inconsistent with open field balance. Needs work catching passes.
4 Derrius Guice/LSU (1-2)
Strengths: Violent runner, loves taking on contact. Excellent combo of speed, balance and power. Very good vision for a power runner, can make sudden cuts. Sets up his blocks. Adept at getting out of trouble with spin move. Home run threat in the open field.
Weaknesses: Even with his power, he needs to be more decisive through the line. Average burst. Tends to duck head at contact rather than getting low pad level. Isn't great at eluding tacklers when running downhill. Doesn't always finish his blocks in pass protection.
5 Nick Chubb/Georgia (2)
Strengths: Powerful, does a good job running through arm tackles and first contact. Low center of gravity makes him hard to bring down at point of contact. Has one-cut ability. Good at staying disciplined between the tackles. Patient runner, good ball security.
Weaknesses: Explosion isn't what you would want from a feature back. Lacks elusiveness in tight quarters. Vision isn't anything special. May not have much value on third downs as he wasn't used in the passing game at Georgia. Is sometimes hesitant in reading his blocks.
6 Rashaad Penny/San Diego State (2)
7 Royce Freeman/Oregon (2-3)
8 Kerryon Johnson/Auburn (2-3)
9 Nyheim Hines/NC State (3)
10 Ito Smith/Southern Miss (3-4)
11 Kalen Ballage/Arizona State (3-4)
12 Darrel Williams/LSU (3-4)
13 John Kelly/Tennessee (4)
14 Mark Walton/Miami Fla (4)
15 Josh Adams/Notre Dame (4-5)
16 Justin Crawford/West Virginia (4-5)
17 Dalyn Dawkins/Colorado State (4-5)
18 Roc Thomas/Jacksonville State (5)
19 Jordan Wilkins/Ole Miss (5)
20 Justin Jackson/Northwestern (5-6)
21 Boston Scott/Louisiana Tech (5-6)
22 Jeffery Wilson/North Texas (5-6)
23 Chase Edmonds/Fordham (6)
24 Bo Scarbrough/Alabama (6)
25 Phillip Lindsay/Colorado (6-7)
26 Chris Warren III/Texas (6-7)
27 Lavon Coleman/Washington (6-7)
28 Mike Boone/Cincinnati (7)
29 Jarvion Franklin/Western Michigan (7)
30 Martez Carter/Grambling State (7)
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| James Washington (Getty Images) |
1. James Washington/Oklahoma State (1)
Strengths: Good athletic background, played tennis and ran track in high school. Great body control, especially on sideline routes. Excellent ability tracking the football. Gets faster as routes progress. Downfield threat, averaged over 20 yards per catch for the last three seasons at Oklahoma State. Can create space on his own, especially deep. Has long arms and excellent catch radius. Was comfortable working outside or in the slot.
Weaknesses: Didn't face much press coverage, will have to show he can get off. Limited route tree. Frame keeps him from sinking into cuts. Route running not consistent, lacks smoothness and fluidity. For his size, not great on contested catches underneath.
2. Michael Gallup/Colorado State (1)
Strengths: Has burst and agility to get himself open. Light on his feet. Can get off press coverage with quick hands. Has speed to second level that allows him to climb over corners. Improved route runner. Good leaper, wins most contested balls. Adept at the back shoulder catch.
Weaknesses: Doesn't always get his head around fast enough on downfield throws. Inconsistent adjustments to poor throws. Too cognizant of midfield safeties, loses focus. Looks overwhelmed at times as a run blocker.
3 Calvin Ridley/Alabama (1-2)
Strengths: Expansive route tree, excellent route runner. Elite separation. Looks effortless running routes. Excellent in and out of breaks and can open throwing windows. Hands catcher on the move. Very good after the catch.
Weaknesses: Thin build, concerns about getting off of press coverage. Can get easily knocked off route by contact. Needs to improve body control to gain leverage on deep sideline routes. Drops too many passes when he senses a defender. May have trouble catching the ball in traffic. Goes down often on first contact. Had 20 drops in three seasons at Alabama.
4. Courtland Sutton/SMU (1-2)
Strengths: Size and frame to excel as a possession receiver. Wins contested passes. Can get off contact and continue route. Isn't afraid to operate over the middle. Excels at slants and crosses. Willing to work back to quarterback on underthrows. Very good blocker, physical at point of attack. Inviting red zone target.
Weaknesses: Lacks top end explosiveness, which could limit his ceiling. Sometimes relies on size over technique in route running. Doesn't have much separation on first and second levels. Limited in yards after catch.
5. Anthony Miller/Memphis (1-2)
Strengths: Played out wide and in slot, versatile performer. Can get open and work all three levels of the field. Good head fakes. Accelerates out of cuts. Ultra-competitive, originally a walk-on. Tracks the ball well in flight. Good body control on tougher catches. Will help out his quarterback outside the pocket. Good yards after catch.
Weaknesses: Hands inconsistent. Can often be herky-jerky in routes, too much wasted motion. Loses focus on shorter routes. Didn't always secure the football.
6. DJ Moore/Maryland (2)
7. Auden Tate/Florida State (2)
8. Cedrick Wilson/Boise State (2)
9. Christian Kirk/Texas A&M (2-3)
10. Marcell Ateman/Oklahoma State (3)
11. Keke Coutee/Texas Tech (3)
12. Tre'Quan Smith/UCF (3)
13. Equanimeous St. Brown/Notre Dame (3-4)
14. Dante Pettis/Washington (3-4)
15. Cam Phillips/Virginia Tech (3-4)
16. Deontay Burnett/USC (3-4)
17. DJ Chark/LSU (3-4)
18. Allen Lazard/Iowa State (4)
19. Jaleel Scott/New Mexico State (4)
20. Deon Cain/Clemson (4-5)
21. DaeSean Hamilton/Penn State (4-5)
22. J'Mon Moore/Missouri (4-5)
23. Trey Quinn/SMU (5)
24. Richie James/Middle Tennessee (5)
25. Simmie Cobbs/Indiana (5-6)
26. Javon Wims/Georgia (5-6)
27. Korey Robertson/Southern Miss (6)
28. Daurice Fountain/Northern Iowa (6)
29. Justin Watson/Penn (6-7)
30. Darren Carrington/Utah (6-7)
31. Steve Ishmael/Syracuse (7)
32. Jake Wieneke/South Dakota State (7)
33. Antonio Callaway/Florida (7)
34. Dylan Cantrell/Texas Tech (7)
TIGHT END
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| Dallas Goedert (Mitchell Daily Republic) |
1. Dallas Goedert/South Dakota State (1-2)
Strengths: Has made eye-popping catches look routine. Possesses the size, speed and ability to make a real impact. Can work all three levels of the field. Can get off jams and disengage from defenders in space. Very good body control, basketball background. Understands positioning, uses frame to seal off defenders. Wasn't asked to block very often, but has good pad level and knee bend to be successful in that area.
Weaknesses: Level of competition. Doesn't sell routes very well. Sometimes has trouble getting secondary separation. Isn't great runner after the catch. Questions about effort level in blocking. Tries too hard to make the highlight reel catch.
2. Mike Gesicki/Penn State (1-2)
Strengths: Excellent at finding soft spots in coverage and getting open. Wins contested balls, background in basketball and volleyball. Excellent body control. Creates separation on second and third level routes. Has the ability to run complex patterns, not just a seam guy. Leaping ability creates rare catch radius.
Weaknesses: Frame lacks bulk, could get pushed off routes at the next level. Doesn't have a lot of quickness in and out of breaks. Seemed to lack willingness as a blocker. Below average play strength.
3. Mark Andrews/Oklahoma (2)
Strengths: Excellent route runner, started career as receiver. Great feel for route adjustments and kills it in zone coverages. Can make catches in tight windows. Excellent in the red zone. Very good at route adjustment. Has the frame to provide a mismatch against defensive backs. Footwork and athleticism stand out in this tight end crop.
Weaknesses: Doesn't play as fast as his frame would dictate. Inconsistent beyond the second level. Does not have quickness or acceleration to shake man coverage downfield. Has not shown willingness as a blocker. Seems to be missing a nasty streak. Will be a liability in the run game, limiting his usage.
4. Ian Thomas/Indiana (2)
Strengths: Has a passion for the game. Prototype frame for the position. Can create space coming out of breaks and turns. Has the speed to be a downfield option. Will not shy away from contact with the ball in his hands. The best blocker in this class, works well on the line and can seal off defensive ends. Better as an in-line blocker, but solid all around in that aspect.
Weaknesses: Technique is sometimes lacking when blocking, especially hand placement. Doesn't always have optimum play speed. Raw. Limited route tree at Indiana, will need to learn more complex schemes. Sometimes will take on a defender instead of running away from them, sacrificing yardage for contact.
5. Hayden Hurst/South Carolina (2-3)
Strengths: Size and quickness combination makes him dangerous. Was used all over the field. Has a quick release into his routes. Pass catching threat at all three levels. Very good at snatching the ball out of the air. Runs with power after catch. Plays like his hair is on fire.
Weaknesses: Limited window as he will be 25 years old when season starts. Sometimes tips his routes. Needs work as an in-line blocker. Below average on out-breaking routes.
6. Troy Fumagalli/Wisconsin (3)
7. Durham Smythe/Notre Dame (3-4)
8. Jaylen Samuels/NC State (3-4)
9. Jordan Akins/UCF (4)
10. Tyler Conklin/Central Michigan (4-5)
11. Christopher Herndon/Miami (5-6)
12. Marcus Baugh/Ohio State (6)
13. Ryan Izzo/Florida State (6-7)
14. Dalton Schultz/Stanford (7)
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| Mike McGlinchey (USA Today) |
1. Mike McGlinchey/Notre Dame (1)
Strengths: Technique is almost flawless. Fluid athlete, former tight end. Good knee bend. Very balanced at point of attack. Ideal form in pass sets. Good instincts.
Weaknesses: Lacks ideal strength. Doesn't always finish. Pads get too high when asked to be a move blocker. Too easily pushed back into pocket by strong rushers.
2. Connor Williams/Texas (1-2)
Strengths: Will make a living as an elite run blocker. Technically sound, good lateral footwork and slide steps. Sustains blocks, has powerful hands. Good finisher. Excellent body control in pass sets.
Weaknesses: Wasn't as good in 2017 as he was the year before. Lateral quickness was lacking. Does not have ideal length for a tackle. Gets too straight-legged on initial bull moves.
3. Orlando Brown/Oklahoma (2)
Strengths: You don't see his size and length very often, and he knows how to use that to his advantage. Has a nasty demeanor and a solid physical skill set. Engulfs linebackers when he gets to second level. Arm extension makes life difficult for pass rushers. Keeps his feet moving in pass protection.
Weaknesses: Woefully unathletic. Plays too straight-legged and lacks good footwork. Bigger than he is strong. Balance is sometimes an issue on redirect. Slow laterally off the snap.
4. Tyrell Crosby/Oregon (2-3)
Strengths: Mean streak, nasty as a run blocker. Has length and strength. Straight ahead bulldozer in run game. Very good drive blocker. Can play on either side of the formation.
Weaknesses: Technical issues aplenty. Does not have great initial quickness, and finesse game is lacking. Did not make many pure pass sets in college. Footwork is spotty. Average body control. Could move inside to guard if he can't get more consistent in pass protection.
5. Jamarco Jones/Ohio State (2-3)
Strengths: Long arms, good technique. Solid lateral movement and slide quickness. Improved in pass protection in 2017. Plus agility.
Weaknesses: Height and length combination not optimum for position. Plays too high, not great with his hips. Below averge body control. Could play tougher. Poor combine showing casts questions about athleticism.
6. Kolton Miller/UCLA (2-3)
7. Martinas Rankin/Mississippi State (2-3)
8. Chukwuma Okorafor/Western Michigan (3)
9. Will Richardson/NC State (3-4)
10. Desmond Harrison/West Georgia (3-4)
11. Brandon Parker/North Carolina A&T (4)
12. Geron Christian/Louisville (4)
13. Joe Noteboom/TCU (4-5)
14. Brian O'Neill/Pittsburgh (4-5)
15. Toby Weathersby/LSU (5)
16. Archie Lewis/Boise State (5-6)
17. Greg Senat/Wagner (6)
18. Cole Madison/Washington State (6-7)
19. Zachary Crabtree/Oklahoma State (6-7)
20. David Bright/Stanford (7)
21. Alex Cappa/Humboldt State (7)
OFFENSIVE GUARD
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| Quenton Nelson (NBC Sports) |
1. Quenton Nelson/Notre Dame (1)
Strengths: Elite power, good size and a first-rate finisher. Technically sound, intelligent. Good pad level off the snap. Aggressive at point of attack and will block until the whistle. Excellent lateral movement. Wide base on pass sets.
Weaknesses: Occasionally has a hitch when coming out of his stance on pulling plays. Doesn't always play fast. Has been injured a bit. Good pass blocker, but not elite against athletic rush men.
2. Isaiah Wynn/Georgia (1)
Strengths: Technically sound, great attitude. Top-level athleticism as a run blocker. Above average in pass protection as he started his Georgia career at tackle. Fluid, good knee bend. Solid finisher. Good body control and balance, handles counter moves very well.
Weaknesses: Questions about how well he can handle power rushers. Arm extension could be better. Sometimes impatient, doesn't wait for defenders to come to him.
3. Will Hernandez/UTEP (1-2)
Strengths: Good blend of power and athletic ability. Excellent run blocker and has sufficient footwork to be an asset in pass protection. Good movement for his size. Explodes at the point of attack. Very aggressive, plays to the whistle. Surprisingly quick feet.
Weaknesses: Height (6-3) is not ideal. Has short arms, and defenders with long arms are able to get into his body. Initiates contact without getting set. Pad level is sometimes deficient.
4. Braden Smith/Auburn (2-3)
Strengths: Has the desired frame for the position. Excellent power. Plays strong. Can be a mauler, comes off the ball very well. Good drive blocker.
Weaknesses: A beat behind in picking up defensive line twists. Feet aren't super quick, can be had by counter rush moves. Has trouble getting to second level. Looks stiff at times.
5. Wyatt Teller/Virginia Tech (3)
Strengths: Excellent body control and hands. Very good frame, hard to move. Excellent hand placement. Maintains balance through contact. Has a mean streak.
Weaknesses: Did not play nearly as well last year as he did in 2016. Questions about consistent effort. Good straight ahead, below average laterally. Has trouble when call on to pull.
6. Tony Adams/NC State (3)
7. Tyrone Crowder/Clemson (3-4)
8. Colby Gossett/Appalachian State (3-4)
9. Jamil Demby/Maine (4)
10. Sam Jones/Arizona State (4)
11. KC McDermott/Miami Fla. (4-5)
12. Skyler Phillips/Idaho State (4-5)
13. Taylor Hearn/Clemson (5-6)
14. KJ Malone/LSU (7)
15. Sean Welsh/Iowa (7)
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| Frank Ragnow (ArkansasRazorbacks.com) |
1. Frank Ragnow/Arkansas (1-2)
Strengths: Very physical. Takes good angles to blocks. Very good quickness on down blocks. Strong hands, can ride out blocks to completion. Has played both guard and center, so versatility is there. Can go from first to second block with good timing. Good leader.
Weaknesses: Not terribly athletic. Doesn't always drop pads to desired level. Is on the ground too much. Defenders with quick get-off could be a problem.
2. Billy Price/Ohio State (2)
Strengths: A mauler, but can also be effective on the move for traps. Excellent explosiveness off the snap. Great power and leverage. Excellent on the redirect. Flexibility in hips, excellent drive blocker. Coaches loved his leadership and intelligence. Mean streak. Has played both center and guard.
Weaknesses: Impatient as a blocker. Has a tendency to lunge and lose balance against shade defenders. Footwork isn't always consistent. Not a long frame, so sustaining blocks is sometimes an issue.
3. James Daniels/Iowa (2)
Strengths: Very fluid in movements. Initial quickness helps him win in positioning on zone blocks. Good quickness off the snap. Technically sound, slides feet and turns hips when securing blocks. Excellent finisher. Has a wide base on pass sets.
Weaknesses: Needs to get stronger. Average power off the ball. Struggles against bull rushers. Wasn't used a lot as a drive blocker, will need more proficiency.
4. Bradley Bozeman/Alabama (4)
Strengths: Proficient at getting to second level. Size is a plus, difficult to move. Plays with toughness. Good hand placement.
Weaknesses: Quickness off the snap is lacking. Not athletic. Not as powerful from his lower body as his size would indicate. Can be thrown off balance by bull rushers.
5. Will Clapp/LSU (4-5)
Strengths: Very steady performer, played both center and guard at a high level. Consistent in his footwork. Good hand strength, sustains well. Great recognition against blitzers.
Weaknesses: Short arms. Athletic ability is suspect. Doesn't always do well at the second level. Heavy feet in pass sets, a liability against speedy interior defenders.
6. Coleman Shelton/Washington (4-5)
7. Austin Corbett/Nevada (4-5)
8. Brian Allen/Michigan State (5-6)
9. Scott Quessenberry/UCLA (6)
10. Austin Golson/Auburn (7)
MONDAY: Defensive Positional Rankings
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