Five Dark Horse NCAA Tournament Teams

Collin Sexton, Alabama

March Madness may still be over a month away, but in a sport where parity reigns, it is never too early to identify which teams might be bracket-busters when the NCAA Tournament begins. Here are five that could cause plenty of chaos when the bracket is unveiled:

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Projected 10-13 seed
At this point, it's hard to consider Middle Tennessee a dark horse after what they have done the last two NCAA Tournaments. In 2016, the Blue Raiders stunned second-seeded Michigan State and last season they outplayed Minnesota en route to another first round victory. This year's team is just as dangerous as the last two, headlined by stars Nick King and Giddy Potts. King is one of the most underrated big men in the nation, averaging 21.2 PPG and 7.9 RPG, while Potts has been instrumental in Middle Tennessee's last two Tournament victories. The Blue Raiders are not a great offensive team, but they are stingy on the defensive end, where they allow just 64.9 points per game, 23rd in the nation, which should serve them well when March arrives. Right now, Middle Tennessee sits at 8-1 in the Conference USA, and is the clear-cut favorite to win the league once more, likely setting them up for another March run.

Nevada Wolfpack Projected 7-10 seed
The Mountain West doesn't get much national attention, but there is a lot of quality basketball teams in the conference, most notably Nevada. The Wolfpack sit at 18-4 and are one of the most balanced teams in the country, with depth and experience throughout their lineup. The Martin twins, transfers from NC State, have fueled the Wolfpack's impressive start to the season as well as fellow transfer Kendall Stephens, who came from Purdue. Nevada's resume is actually very impressive, as they have an RPI of 18 and their worst loss of the season was to Wyoming by one on the road. Nevada will have to fend off surging Boise State (18-4 overall, 8-2 in the conference) to win the conference, but this is a very dangerous team that has a very efficient offense. We've seen teams from the Mountain West bust brackets before, and this Wolfpack squad could be the next.

Alabama Crimson Tide Projected 7-9 seed
Legendary head coach Avery Johnson has done a terrific job rebuilding Alabama's basketball program, and this year's team looks like they could cause some damage. The Tide have not been playing very well as of late, going just 7-5 in their last 12. However, the talent on this roster is top-notch, and if the youth grows up quickly this is a very dangerous team. Explosive point guard Collin Sexton is one of the funnest players to watch in college basketball, and the unquestioned leader of this team. Fellow freshman John Petty and playmaker Dazon Ingram are also dangerous offensive weapons, and Alabama continue to improve on the defensive side of the ball. A big non-conference win over Trae Young really helped 'Bama, who was slipping towards the bubble. An important stretch upcoming that includes Florida, Missouri, Mississippi State and Tennessee (all who look like Tournament teams) could decide whether this team is ready to take the next step or still has stuff to work on before postseason plays begins.

Butler Bulldogs Projected 6-9 seed
Even though they haven't made a super deep NCAA run since Brad Stevens was on the sideline, Butler has become one of the most consistent Tournament teams in the country. In their last six Tournament appearances, Butler has won at least one game, and have been agonizingly close to some big upsets over the past few seasons. This year's team is clearly talented too, as they are the only team in the nation who has been able to beat the country's current No. 1 team, Villanova. Contrary to the old Butler teams that relied on their stifling defense, this team has a dangerous offense, led by senior forward Kelan Martin. First-year head coach LaVall Jordan might not quite have the magic that Stevens once did when leading the Bulldogs, but this is a tough, well-rounded team that is very consistent. A Final Four run may not quite be in the cards, but don't be surprised if this team is able to finish off a few big-time teams before they are eliminated.

NC State Wolfpack Projected 10-12 seed
With the lone exception of a bad loss in the non-conference to UNC Greensboro, there isn't a 15-7 team with as impressive as a resume as NC State. The Wolfpack, who are led by new head coach Kevin Keatts, have beaten UNC, Duke, Clemson and Arizona, all teams with an RPI at or better than 14. This clearly shows how dangerous NC State is when they are playing well, but they still lack consistency. Al Freeman and Omar Yurtseven are the Wolfpack's best two offensive options, but they'll need more production from their bench if they are to really make a deep NCAA Tournament run. They will also need to have a great end-of-the-year stretch to even guarantee a spot in the Field of 68, as they sit firmly on the bubble at the moment. There is no stretch that is easy in the brutal ACC, but their last few games of the season are extremely manageable.

Zion Williamson and Duke's 2018 Recruiting Class

Zion Williamson

Basketball prodigies are nothing new, with young men being described as "the future of the sport" year in, year out. The rise of social media and the Internet has only made it easier for fans to follow some of the young stars across the country, which has made forward Zion Williamson a well-known name in the basketball world before he even plays college ball. A game between Williamson and the youngest Ball brother, La'Melo, drew an online audience of over 80,000 at one point, and Williamson's powerful dunking antics are all over YouTube. This past weekend, Williamson, rated the No. 2 player in the 2018 recruiting class, announced he would commit to Duke, spurning in-state schools Clemson and South Carolina, along with blue bloods of the sport, such as Kentucky and UNC. The addition of Williamson now gives Duke the top three recruits in the nation in the 2018 recruiting cycle (not to mention guard Tre Jones, rated as the nation's 12th best player by ESPN). It will be one of the best collections of pure talent we have ever seen on a college basketball court, but does come with certain questions. How will Coach K handle three players that play similar positions, and need the ball to be effective? How will the Blue Devils handle the huge expectations and major hype that is sure to follow them? And most importantly, will Williamson and company produce the way we expect? Those are important questions, but the legendary coach on the sideline should be smart and innovative with how he deals with them.

Williamson, a 6'6" power forward out of Spartanburg, South Carolina, joins R.J. Barrett (nation's No. 1 player) and Cam Reddish (No.3 player) to form perhaps the greatest recruiting class in college basketball history. Barrett, who hails from Canada, already has a well-rounded offensive game while Reddish, who is out of Pennsylvania, is sensational at attacking the rim in a variety of ways. The first thing you'll notice about the trio is the fact they all play basically the same position. Reddish and Barrett both play small forward and stand at the same recorded height, while Williamson is more of a tweener who can play either forward spot. This could be an issue in terms of playing time and minutes, but basketball's shift more towards small-ball could be a perfect fit for this team. Barrett and Reddish can easily slide into either the shooting guard or small forward slot, while Williamson, who plays bigger than his 6'6" frame may suggest, could fit in at power forward, allowing all three to start and maximize their minutes. The bigger question is going to be getting the ball to all three. All of them have been the unquestioned stars of their respective high school teams, so transitioning to a team where they will be expected to share the ball and play as a team will be different. The good news is that this is not a new problem for Coach K and Duke. They have had crazy amounts of talent on their roster before and been able to manage it. The key will be for the players to recognize the importance of sharing the ball and improve on some of the fundamental aspects of the game; such as making effective cuts and crashing the offensive glass. This will enable them to get the ball and make things happen, even if they aren't necessarily touching it all the time. It would also help if Reddish and Williamson improved as shooters, which would spread the floor and open up lanes for others to work with.

Even in college basketball, a sport that has parity unlike any other major sport, people will expect this Duke team to roll to a National Title, and anything else will be considered a disappointment. That is a lot to ask of a team of 19 and 20-year olds, but that is the way basketball is nowadays. It is impossible to say how possible that will be when we still have months left in the current '17-'18 season, but we do know one thing: the three won't be able to do it all on their own. They will need a strong supporting cast, and hopefully one with some veterans on it. We know for a fact senior Grayson Allen will be gone, as will likely No. 1 pick Marvin Bagley, but it will be interesting to see what else stays in Durham past these next few months. Freshmen Gary Trent, Wendell Carter and Trevon Dural have all put together great seasons, but it isn't unreasonable to think maybe one or two of them could be back. Any number of players from Duke's bench should return for next year, namely Javin DeLaurier and Alex O'Connell. This will be critical because it should not only ensure this team has a good amount of depth, it will provide them with some stability and overall experience. Navigating the crazy and chaotic world of college basketball is a tall task no matter who you are, so having a strong supporting cast will play a major role in deciding whether this team evolves into a true National Title favorite or disappoints.

As mentioned earlier, these three recruits still have plenty of things they need to improve on to round out their game. For Williamson, we know how great of a dunker he is and what he can bring on the defensive end, but growing into a more effective shooter and shot creator will be pivotal in his development. Barrett and Reddish must also continue to improve as shooters, and also will have to prove they can be great distributors and defenders. This team shouldn't have too much trouble scoring, but if they can't do the other aspects of the game effectively, they won't get very far. Expectations will be enormous and the pressure will be overwhelming on these kids. However, the trio knew what they were signing up for when they committed to Duke, and they seem to realize how important the Duke brotherhood is. Big things are coming for this team and no matter what happens, it will be absolutely fascinating to see how things all go down.

Big Ten Power Rankings 2017-2018: Edition 1

Carsen Edwards, Purdue

1. Purdue Boilermakers (17-2 overall, 6-0 conference)
Despite losing Big Ten Player of the Year Caleb Swanigan, Purdue has not missed beat so far in '17-'18 and appear to be the most balanced team in the conference. Head coach Matt Painter has gotten good guard play from Carsen Edwards (leading the team with 16.7 PPG) and P.J. Thompson, but the Boilermakers' real strength is their imposing frontline. Handling massive big men Isaac Haas (7'2" senior) and Matt Haarms (7'3" freshman) is a chore for any defense, and quietly, swingman Vince Edwards has evolved into one of the Big Ten's most consistent offensive weapons. Purdue has ran through a relatively breezy early non-conference slate, but the upcoming schedule should really test whether this is the conference's best team. A meeting with Ohio State, as well as road trips to Michigan State and Wisconsin in early February should be critical.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes (15-4 overall, 6-0 conference)
Ohio State has been the surprise of the Big Ten so far this year, as first-year head coach Chris Holtmann has the Buckeyes 6-0 in the conference, with wins over Michigan State and Iowa on the road to boot. The key to Ohio State's success on the year has not been a group of newcomers, but improved play from this veteran-laden lineup. Junior forward Keita Bates-Diop has dealt with injuries his entire career, but now finally healthy, is averaging 20.9 PPG and 8.8 RPG, while building the case to the Big Ten Player of the Year. Senior Jae'Sean Tate and junior C.J. Jackson have also had breakthrough seasons, helping engineer one of the Big Ten's deadliest offenses. Ohio State has a very favorable schedule upcoming schedule, which could help OSU overtake Purdue for the top spot.
3. Michigan Wolverines (16-4 overall, 5-2 conference)
While Purdue and Ohio State are the lone undefeated teams remaining in the Big Ten, it may be Michigan who is playing the best basketball right now. The Wolverines went on the road and outplayed Michigan State in a 82-72 win and then held on to win a thriller over a motivated Maryland  team last night. Before that, they had handled Iowa and Illinois and pushed Purdue to the brink, losing by one point. Big man Mo Wagner has developed into a legitimate star, putting up 14.9 PPG while hitting on 56 percent of his shots from the field. The improvement of guards Charles Matthews, a Kentucky transfer, and underrated Muhammed-Ali Abdur-Rahkman (10.8 PPG) has been pivotal in Michigan's great play as of late. A road trip to Nebraska and a meeting with Rutgers should be a great tuneup before Purdue, who should give us further indication on what this UM team could be.
4. Michigan State Spartans (16-2 overall, 4-2 conference)
A popular preseason National Title pick who went 12-1 in the non-conference, Michigan State has opened up conference play struggling. In their last three games, the Spartans have gotten dominated by Ohio State, barely beat Rutgers and lost by ten at home to Michigan. It has been a worrying stretch for the Spartans, but not too surprising. Tom Izzo-led teams tend to struggle early in conference play before finding their groove, which could be the case with this team. Swingman Miles Bridges is still one of the elite talents in the sport, and fellow sophomores Nick Ward and Cassius Winston continue to make strides. The play from true frosh Jaren Jackson has also been huge for MSU, as the young forward can dominate down low and stretch the floor with his shooting ability. Michigan State may be trending down slightly, but this is still one of the most talented and deepest teams in the conference, led by probably the best coach in the conference. They should be just fine, especially with a favorable upcoming schedule.
5. Maryland Terrapins (14-6 overall, 3-4 conference)
Maryland lost last night to Michigan in a heartbreaking thriller, which dropped them to sub-.500 in the conference. Certainly it isn't the ideal start for this Terrapins team, but closer examination of this team tells a different tale. All four of Maryland's losses have come to the teams ahead of them in the standings (Purdue, Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State) and three have been on the road. It does hurt that the Terps will be without star forward Justin Jackson, but they still have the talent to be in the forefront of the Big Ten race and make another NCAA Tournament bid. Guards Anthony Cowan and Kevin Huerter will have to continue to play well as the team enters a very winnable stretch of games, starting with a home game against Minnesota this Thursday.
6. Nebraska Cornhuskers (13-7 overall, 4-3 conference)
Quietly, Nebraska has played very good basketball since the start of conference play, and are still very much in the postseason mix. Junior guard James Palmer Jr. has been the big-time playmakers for Nebraska early on in the season, putting up 15.7 PPG, but veteran guards Anton Gill and Glynn Watson Jr. are really what make the 'Huskers a tough team to play. Neither are going to lead the team in scoring, but the two experienced guards help pace the team, and make smart decisions. The 'Huskers aren't beating teams by much (their last two wins are by a total of five points) but they are building a solid resume. Meetings with Michigan and Ohio State loom, but if they can beat one of those teams, it could set them up for a big end of January.
7. Indiana Hoosiers (11-7 overall, 4-2 conference)
After a rough non-conference schedule that included losses to inferior in-state teams Indiana State and IPFW, Indiana has played significantly better since Big Ten play began. The Hoosiers, who are guided by first-year head coach Archie Miller, have won three straight to improve to 4-2 in the conference. Granted, none of the three victories have been against the Big Ten's elite, but it is still a good place to start for a team still in a transition stage. Forward Juwan Morgan and guard Robert Johnson have been Indiana's best options all season long and should continue to play well, but the Hoosiers need more contributions from big man De'Ron Davis and the bench in order to be considered serious threats in a well-balanced Big Ten.
8. Minnesota Gophers (14-6 overall, 3-4 conference)
Minnesota got a huge win last night over Penn State to stop the bleeding of a team that had lost three straight conference games, which included a 23-point loss to Northwestern and 34-point loss to Purdue. It isn't difficult to realize why the team has struggled lately; center Reggie Lynch has been involved in numerous sexual misconduct incidents and could be done in a Minnesota uniform, and star guard Amir Coffey has missed time with shoulder problems. Even with those issues, guard Nate Mason and forward Jordan Murphy (18 double-doubles this season) have played well and will have to continue playing well. It would be nice to get better production from true freshman Isaiah Washington (shooting just 32% from the field) and sophomore big man Michael Hurt, who has been pushed into a larger role. An important stretch that includes Maryland, Ohio State and Northwestern again will decide whether this team is still a threat in the Big Ten, or whether it could be a frustrating finish to the year in Minneapolis.
9. Penn State Nittany Lions (13-7 overall, 3-4 conference)
Penn State basketball never gets much attention, especially compared to their football but this year's team is a dark horse threat. They have a good amount of experience and some real talent, namely guard Tony Carr (19.6 PPG, 45% from three-point) and forward Mike Watkins (averaging a double-double). A loss in overtime last night to Minnesota stopped Penn State from breaking into the upper-half of the conference, but this is still a team that could make some noise. They play sound, smart basketball and have a number of options that can hurt defenses. Two straight road trips to against Northwestern and Ohio State will be tough, but don't count out the Nittany Lions yet.
10. Northwestern Wildcats (11-8 overall, 2-4 conference)
One year removed from their first NCAA Tournament appearance in school history, Northwestern has been a pretty big disappointment. Despite having most of their roster back from last year's group, the Wildcats have struggled, and are still recovering from a 20-point loss to Indiana. The big issue has been an offense that has had issues all year long, and lacks any consistency. The Wildcats will need some member of their veteran lineup to really step up to get the team moving in the right direction. Scottie Lindsey, Vic Law and Bryant McIntosh are all very talented, but need to step up before any postseason bid is completely impossible.
11. Wisconsin Badgers (9-9 overall, 2-3 conference)
The last time Wisconsin missed the NCAA Tournament was 1998, but this team could be in jeopardy of changing that. Injuries and overall inexperience have the Badgers sitting at just .500 overall and already with three losses in league play. Things could get even tougher going on as they square off against Purdue and go on the road against Iowa and Michigan State in a week. Ethan Happ continues to be a difference-maker and Wisconsin has some impressive young talent in guard Brad Davison and forward Nate Ruevers, but unless they grow up fast, the Badgers could be fighting to simply stay respectable in the conference.
12. Iowa Hawkeyes (10-9 overall, 1-5 conference)
Despite having one of the most explosive offenses in the conference (81.9 points per game, 38th nationally) Iowa has struggled since Big Ten play, losing to a number of beatable teams, with their only win coming against Illinois, who is 0-6 in the conference. This is still a very young Hawkeyes' team, but they have to play better defense and cut down on turnovers to have any shot at rising up the ranks in the conference. A road trip to Rutgers is a good shot for Iowa to add another win to their resume, but a brutal early February schedule is daunting.
13. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (11-8 overall, 1-5 conference)
Since joining the Big Ten, Rutgers has been a punching bag on the basketball court, consistently finish at the bottom of the standings. This year's team isn't going to change that, but there is no denying head coach Steve Pikiell has made progress. Guard Corey Sanders and senior forward Deshawn Freeman have given the offense some punch for much of the season, but this team is still short on depth and experience. Even so, this team could still move up in the standings, particularly if they can take advantage of a schedule that is pretty favorable in the near future, with the exception of a road trip to Ann Arbor.
14. Illinois Fighting Illini (10-9 overall, 0-6 conference)
Former Stephen F. Austin head coach Brad Underwood engineered a quick turnaround last season at Oklahoma State, leading the Cowboys back to the NCAA Tournament and having one of the nation's most efficient offenses. He isn't going to be doing that in his first year at Illinois, as the Illini have begun conference play 0-6. It isn't the way Illinois wanted to start off obviously, but they have lost two games by just one point and are still very competitive. A pair of junior forwards, Leron Black and Michael Finke, will be key to getting the Illini back on track. A road trip to Wisconsin is never easy but with the way the Badgers are playing, it could be the game that finally gets Illinois going.

Way-Too-Early College Football Top 25 for 2018

Nick Bosa, Ohio State

1. Ohio State Buckeyes: Despite being snubbed from the College Football Playoff, Ohio State ended their 2017 season on a high note, dominating USC in the Cotton Bowl. The Buckeyes will begin 2018 without long-time starter J.T. Barrett at quarterback, but this team will still be talented enough to earn Urban Meyer his second National Title in Columbus. Sophomore Dwayne Haskins is expected to compete with highly touted Tate Martell to replace Barrett, and both will have plenty to work with. Running backs J.K. Dobbins and Mike Weber could form the nation's best 1-2 punch, and Ohio State should Parris Campbell on the outside. Defensively, star defensive end Sam Hubbard should move on to the NFL, but junior Nick Bosa and Dre'Mont Jones should keep the front seven as good as ever. The back-end of the defense will lose some serious talent, but the depth Ohio State has throughout the roster should ensure there isn't any drop off. There will be an adjustment period as Ohio State moves on from Barrett as their team leader, but this team is seriously talented. They have the best shot of breaking up the Alabama stranglehold on the sport.
2. Alabama Crimson Tide: It should be a usual off-season for Alabama. They will lose defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt (who took the Tennessee head coach job), lose a ton of NFL talent on both sides of the ball, and face lofty expectations. And yet, the Tide should still be the favorite in the SEC and have a serious shot at getting their third title in four years. No matter who starts at quarterback, whether it is junior Jalen Hurts or sophomore Tua Tagovailoa, the offensive system should not change much. Najee Harris and Joshua Jacobs should take over the role as the top backs, as Bo Scarbrough and likely Damien Harris both move on. On the outside, Calvin Ridley will be missed but this past season, true freshmen Jerry Jeudy and DeVonta Smith, who caught the game-winner in the National Championship, proved they can be elite playmakers. The defense will miss stars at nearly every position group, but this is Alabama, which means former four and five-star recruits are ready to fill in. Junior Mack Wilson is set to become the next great 'Bama linebacker, while defensive back Trevon Diggs is set to break out.
3. Clemson Tigers: Clemson has proven they are a program with the depth and talent base to reload every season, which they will have to do this spring, as defenders Clelin Ferrell, Christian Wilkins and Austin Bryant all could be first-round NFL selections. The big question, however, will likely be at quarterback, where incumbent starter Kelly Bryant will have to fight off highly touted true frosh Trevor Lawrence. Whoever does get the reigns to the offense will have sophomore speedster Travis Etienne at running back, and an offensive line anchored by Mitch Hyatt, who decided not to turn pro. If defensive coordinator Brent Venables can rebuild the defense, which still has All-American candidate Dexter Lawrence up front, the Tigers should coast to another ACC crown.
4. Oklahoma Sooners: Sure, the Sooners will lose Heisman winner and record-setting QB Baker Mayfield, but that shouldn't completely kill the momentum that has built in Norman after earning their third consecutive Big 12 title in '17. Texas A&M transfer Kyler Murray should take over for Mayfield and while he may not completely replicate Baker's production, the former five-star recruit should still be an ideal fit for the offense. Murray will be aided by a running back committee that is as good as there is in the nation, along with an O-Line that should still be quality, even with star Orlando Brown set to leave school early. On the outside, Marquise "Hollywood" Brown and company will give Murray and head coach Lincoln Riley plenty to play with. The defense has long been the Achilles Heel at Oklahoma, and the unit will have to replace some serious production. However, linebacker Caleb Kelly and corner Tre Norwood will give the group some base to work with.
5. Michigan Wolverines: A disappointing 8-5 campaign has left some Michigan fans wondering if head coach Jim Harbaugh really is the savior in Ann Arbor. However, Michigan had to replace their entire defense this past season, and dealt with some devastating injuries on offense. The struggles the team suffered through in 2017 should set them up for a huge 2018. QB Brandon Peters is expected to take over the offense, but will have to hold off rising Dylan McCaffrey, Christian's younger brother and Ole Miss transfer Shea Patterson, who should be eligible right away. Backs Chris Evans and Karan Higdon should both be back to help guide the run-orientated offense, while Grant Perry, Donovan Peoples-Jones and a healthy Tarik Black give UM an abundance of weapons on the outside. The defense, Harbaugh's strength, should be as stout as ever next season. Defensive end Rashan Gary, the former No.1 recruit in the country, is set to become a superstar, and Chase Winovich also opted to skip the NFL for now. Linebacker Devin Bush should also compete for All-American honors, and the secondary should be incredibly deep. There are certainly some question marks surrounding Michigan, but if this team can play up their talent level, they could very well make the Playoff in '18.
6. Georgia Bulldogs: The Bulldogs were one of the biggest surprises of the 2017 season, and of course, came agonizingly close to a National Title in Kirby Smart's second season in Athens. Georgia will have to replace program staples Nick Chubb and Sony Michel as well as likely linebacker Roquan Smith, the unquestioned leader of the defense. Even so, expect another successful season for Smart and company. Jake Fromm returns at quarterback and could be in store for a huge sophomore season. He will helped out by Elijah Holyfield Jr. and D'Andre Swift, who should replace the Chubb/Michel combo at running back, while Riley Ridley is a breakout star at wide out. The defense will be in store for a transition without Smith, as well as the losses of other contributors, like John Atkins, Davin Bellamy and defensive backs Deandre Baker and Dominick Sanders. End Jonathan Ledbetter and defensive tackle Trent Thompson will have to step up, and the 'Dawgs will hope Smart's great recruiting on that side of the ball will pay dividends.
7. Miami Hurricanes: Before their three-game losing streak to end the season, Miami looked like a prime National Title threat, and things should only be better in 2018. Quarterback Malik Rosier will return for his senior campaign after throwing for 3,120 yards last year, and should be helped by a dynamic receiver corps which will include junior Ahmmon Richards, who was hurt for most of '17. On the other side of the ball, Mark Richt will have a ton of experience and talent back, starting with a stacked linebacker unit, which will bring back Michael Pinckney and Shaquille Quarterman. The back-end will have to replace stud graduate transfer Dee Delaney at corner, but Malek Young and Michael Jackson should ensure the unit stays stingy. If Rosier can continue to grow as a passer and the defense can play up to their talent level, the 'Canes have all the pieces to win their first conference title since moving to the ACC.
8. Wisconsin Badgers: After coming within one game of the Playoff this past season, Wisconsin will once more have their eyes set on the four-team field next year. The defense will have to replace talent at every level, but linebacker T.J. Edwards and underrated defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard will ensure there is not much of a dropoff on that side of the ball. On offense, the Badgers will likely return ten starters, including QB Alex Hornibrook and Heisman candidate Jonathan Taylor at running back. Hornibrook showed progress in his first full season as starter for the Badgers, and should only get better with more time under his belt. Taylor will be the feature back for Wisconsin after a huge true freshman campaign, but expect Bradrick Shaw and former Pitt transfer Chris James should also see action.
9. West Virginia Mountaineers: This has potential to be the best West Virginia team since 2007, when the Pat White-led Mountaineers came within one game of the National Championship. Quarterback Will Grier put up big numbers in 2017 and opted to wait on the NFL. He will form a terrifying combination with star wide receiver David Sills V, who also decided to wait on turning pro. Add in fellow wide out Gary Jennings (97 catches in '17) and running back Kennedy McKoy (596 yards), and WVU's offense will be among the best in the country. The defense had an inconsistent season in '17, but returns enough pieces to be serviceable. Four out of the top seven tacklers are slated to return, including stud linebacker David Long.
10. Auburn Tigers: After beating two No. 1 teams in consecutive weeks, Auburn ended the season in a disappointing manner, losing their final two games to go 10-4. However, the Tigers got quite the late Christmas present when QB Jarrett Stidham decided to return for another year on the Plains. The big-armed QB should contend for Heisman honors, especially with the help of top pass-catchers Ryan Davis and Darius Slayton. Auburn will have to replace backfield mates Kerryon Johnson and Kamryn Pettway (injured for most of 2017, has decided to leave program) and some playmakers defensively, but the tools are still in place for the Tigers to contend for a second straight SEC West title.
11. Washington Huskies: UW is coming off consecutive double-digit win seasons for the first time since the early 1990s, but the Huskies have bigger goals than just ten wins, such as the Playoff and conference title, which eluded them in 2017. QB Jake Browning should be back to fuel an offense that will once again be dangerous, even if coordinator Jonathan Smith left for the head coach job at Oregon State. Running back Myles Gaskin will likely be back for his senior season, and left tackle Trey Adams should have a big year returning from injury. The defense will lose some important pieces, but the secondary could be one of the nation's best, with shutdown corner Byron Murphy and interception machine Taylor Rapp set to return.
12. Penn State Nittany Lions: PSU has won 11 games in each of the last two seasons, but must now say goodbye to back Saquon Barkley, who should go in the Top 5 of the 2018 NFL Draft. It will be nearly impossible to completely replace Barkley, but former highly touted recruit Miles Sanders should do a fine job in the feature back role. Trace McSorley should return for his senior season, but will have to identify a new top target, with DaeSean Hamilton and tight end Mike Gesicki graduating. The defense will have to rebuilt without stars Jason Cabinda and Marcus Allen, but the front should still be solid, with breakout candidate Shareff Miller leading the charge.
13. Virginia Tech Hokies: While Miami will be the favorite in the ACC Coastal, Virginia Tech should be able to challenge the 'Canes. Soon-to-be sophomore Josh Jackson impressed in his first season as starting QB last year, and should only get better in '18. The offensive line will have to be rebuilt, and the Hokies will have to identify a new No. 1 receiver with Cam Phillips leaving, but the talent is there. On the other side of the ball, long-time defensive coordinator Bud Foster will keep VT as stout as ever. Replacing linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, who is leaving for the NFL a year early, won't be easy but defensive tackle Ricky Walker and corner Adonis Alexander are All-ACC candidates.
14. Michigan State Spartans: With Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State stealing headlines, it is easy to forget about Michigan State, but this team is a serious Big Ten dark horse entering 2018. QB Brian Lewerke continues to improve after a solid sophomore season, and will be joined by a supporting cast that includes back L.J. Scott and wide out Felton Davis. MSU has long been a defensive team, and that should once again be the case next year. Only Demetrius Cooper and Chris Frey are set to graduate, and there is impressive depth throughout the unit.
15. Stanford Cardinal: As of right now, it is completely unclear whether running back Bryce Love will return for his senior season in Palo Alto after coming in second in Heisman voting. If he does, the Cardinal will be the favorite in the Pac-12 and likely a serious Playoff contender. If he doesn't, Stanford should still be in a pretty good spot. Young QB K.J. Costello should be in store for a big leap in his second year as starter, and will be helped by a wide out group that is led by Trenton Irwin and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside. Stanford should also be exceptional on the offensive line and on defense, where head coach David Shaw always has guys ready to step up.
16. Mississippi State Bulldogs: Mississippi State often gets overlooked in the loaded SEC West, but this team could be in store for something special in 2018. Former Penn State offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead takes over in Starkville, and should be able to do serious damage with underrated Nick Fitzgerald at QB, assuming he comes back from a scary injury in the Egg Bowl. Running back Aeris Williams (1,107 yards) and receivers Keith Mixon and Malik Dear will give Moorhead plenty of toys to play with. The defense should be solid as well, particularly if former five-star recruit Jeffery Simmons has the breakout season many people around the program expect him to have under new coordinator Bob Shoop.
17. Notre Dame Fighting Irish: The Irish were one of the biggest surprises in the nation this past season, going from a 4-8 2016 to a ten-win campaign. They'll be awfully talented next season, but there are still some serious question marks. Ian Book and Brandon Wimbush both showed flashes of brilliance at QB and will compete for the starting job. Running back Josh Adams will be a big loss, as will star offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey. On defense, the Irish must replace D-coordinator Mike Elko (set to become the coordinator at Texas A&M) but there is an abundance of talent set to return, including Drue Tranquill, Julian Love and Jerry Tillery, assuming he doesn't turn pro early.
18. LSU Tigers: Offense has long been an issue for LSU, and it is hard to see the Tigers making any noise in 2018 until they solve their offensive woes. It is unclear whether O-coordinator Matt Canada will be back and even if does return, he'll have to replace QB Danny Etling and star back Derrius Guice. The good news is that soon-to-be sophomore Myles Brennan has some experience at QB, and LSU always has a good stockpile of running backs. Also, the defense should be as good as ever, especially if linebacker Devin White continues to get better.
19. USC Trojans: Expect a rebuilding season in Southern California in 2018, as the Trojans must replace star QB Sam Darnold, as well as their leading rusher and receiver. It is unclear who will replace Darnold, but this is USC, so the cupboard is far from bare. The defense should take major steps forward after an up and down '17. Cameron Smith and Porter Gustin both decided not to turn pro and when joined by All-American candidate Rasheem Greene, the defensive front should be imposing. The secondary will have to be shored up, but there is ample talent in the unit.
20. Boise State Broncos: While UCF and Florida Atlantic pose quite a threat, Boise State is the early favorite to be the Group of Five representative in the New Year's Six bowls. Veteran quarterback Brett Rypien returns to lead the offense, and will be joined by underrated running back Alexander Mattison, who did a fabulous job replacing Jeremy McNichols this season. The defense should be very strong, even with star linebacker Leighton Vander Esch set to leave early for the NFL. Nearly every other big name returns to a group that allowed just 22.9 points per game in 2017.
21. Texas Longhorns: There were some growing pains, but Tom Herman did a fine job in his first season in Austin, and the Longhorns could have a breakthrough year in 2018. Soon-to-be sophomore Sam Ehlinger is expected to retain the starting quarterback job, but former starter Shane Buechele will likely push him. Ehlinger showed incredible promise as a true frosh this past season and will be helped by the return of his top three receivers. The defense will miss linebacker Malik Jefferson, but D-coordinator Todd Orlando is one of the most innovative minds in the game and will utilize the impressive talent Herman was able to land on the recruiting trail.
22. Florida Atlantic Owls: FAU ended 2017 on a ten game win streak, and the Owls could be in store for even bigger things under second year head coach Lane Kiffin. QB Jason Driskel is expected to return to run the offense, as is running back Devin Singletary, who could become a dark horse Heisman candidate after managing 1,920 yards and 32 touchdowns in '17. Kiffin will also have the luxury of an experienced defense, as FAU should return likely every single one of their top ten tacklers from last season.
23. Florida State Seminoles: The Seminoles were a major disappointment in 2017, but new head coach Willie Taggart should inject some new energy into the program. Taggart has two quarterbacks with significant experience including Deondre Francois, who missed basically all of '17 but impressed as starter in 2016. Taggart will also have two quality running backs in Cam Akers and Jacques Patrick and while the defense will have to replace some serious star power, defensive end Brian Burns and defensive back Levonta Taylor provide a good core to work with.
24. South Carolina Gamecocks: It has not gotten much national attention, but Will Muschamp has done a fabulous at South Carolina, who quietly won nine games this past season. Even bigger things could be in store in 2018, especially if young QB Jake Bentley can continue to grow. Bentley will be helped by a stocked backfield, as well as wide out Deebo Samuel, who was putting together a huge 2017 before getting injured and sitting out the year. The defense will need some retooling and must move on from star linebacker Skai Moore, the anchor of the unit for years, but Muschamp has recruited well.
25. UCF Knights: The self-proclaimed National Champions will have to not only move on from head coach Scott Frost, they will also have to replace a bunch of stars from the defense. That will not be an easy task but new head man Josh Huepel (formerly the OC at Missouri) will have plenty to work with on offense, where every big name returns, including QB McKenzie Milton, who finished eighth in Heisman voting.

Others to Watch
Kansas State Wildcats
Oregon Ducks
Iowa State Cyclones
Oklahoma State Cowboys
NC State Wolfpack
Northwestern Wildcats
Florida Gators
Purdue Boilermakers

College Football Playoff Championship Prediction 2018

Jalen Hurts, Alabama

Last season, one of the most popular questions was the perceived downfall of the SEC. Once the
clearly dominant conference in college football the conference lacked much substance behind Alabama, as every other SEC team had at least four losses by the end of the 2016-2017 season. Now, a year later, the conference has two teams playing for a National Title, as fourth-ranked Alabama tries to add another title to their resume against the third-ranked Georgia Bulldogs. Both teams fit the SEC stereotype perfectly; they play tough, physical football between the trenches and make opponents work for every yard. Expect a hard-fought, close football game in Atlanta to decide who becomes king of the college football world.

Georgia's transformation from 8-5 team with potential in 2016 to a National Title contender in '17 has been one of the great stories of the season. Even more impressive is the fact Georgia has won 13 games with a true freshman quarterback under center who began the year as a backup. Jake Fromm took for injured sophomore Jacob Eason early on in the season and the Bulldogs haven't looked back. Fromm showed some nerves early in the team's Rose Bowl win over Oklahoma, but his play in the second half was marvelous, and he shouldn't be too overwhelmed by the moment. Squaring off against the speed and size of Alabama's defense is intimidating for anyone, but Fromm will also be helped by a superb supporting cast. In the backfield, seniors Sony Michel and Nick Chubb will look to end their impressive Georgia careers in style. The two entered campus together as young freshman and now leave as seniors, after many years of setting records and torching defenses. Chubb will be the the option for short yardage, while Michel excels at getting outside and using his speed. Fromm will also have Terry Godwin and Javon Wims available in the passing game, as while as the help of a very strong offensive line. UGA has good experience and plenty of depth throughout the offense as a whole, which will serve them well here. It is easy to be challenged by a big stage especially against a team like Alabama, but these veterans have played in big moments before and should be ready.

Even though Georgia did drop 54 points in their overtime victory over Oklahoma, this is still a team that will lean more on their defense than offense. The defense, which is of course led by former Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart (now UGA's head coach), has a ton of speed and is extremely physical. The front seven is very athletic and should pose quite a threat to Alabama's rushing attack. They will be especially lethal if star linebacker Roquan Smith can have the type of game he had in the Rose Bowl. After a poor first half, Smith was an absolute stud in the second half, and a major reason why the Bulldogs were able to overcome Oklahoma. Expect Georgia to stack the box heavily and force Alabama to throw it down the field. The Bulldogs' secondary is also very experienced and consistent. If they can contain star Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley, they could very well shut down the Crimson Tide in this one.

It is no longer being led by flashy offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin, but Alabama's offense has still be as effective as ever under new OC Brian Daboll. Even though his passing numbers still leave something to be desired, sophomore Jalen Hurts is still a major difference-maker at QB. Hurts can absolutely kill teams with his legs, and UGA will have to prove they can tackle him in space. Alabama will clearly run heavily in this one, even if they are going up against the stout Georgia front. Damien Harris led the team in rushing on the season but he is far from the lone option. Powerful Bo Scarbrough was great in last year's Playoff, and could be used heavily in this one. Also expect to see backs Joshua Jacobs and true frosh Najee Harris. It will be interesting to see how Daboll and 'Bama use Calvin Ridley in this one. Ridley is their clear-cut No. 1 receiver, but he will be challenged heavily by Georgia in this one. Expect the Tide to still get him involved anyway possible, whether it be on screens or sweeps. Up front, Alabama is still as powerful and tough as ever. They aren't going to be able to push Georgia around like they have been able to do against inferior opponents, but they still have a chance to control the line of scrimmage. In a game where field position and every yard will matter, that will be vitally important.

Despite the fact they suffered through injuries for most of the season, Alabama's defense was just as good as ever under coordinator Jeremy Pruitt, who will now take over as Tennessee head coach after this game. However, the Tide were informed of some terrible news this week: linebacker Anfernee Jennings, who injured his knee against Clemson, will be officially out for this one. Losing Jennings, an impact defender off the edge, will be tough to swallow, but the Tide have guys ready to step up. That includes award-winning defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick, who will battle through a kidney injury to be ready in this game. Fitzpatrick, who can fill in at either corner or safety, is a turnover machine that also excels on blitzes. His main purpose will be to cause chaos and confusion for Fromm and the Georgia offense, which he could have success doing. Fitzpatrick will lead a fabulous Alabama secondary that includes corners Anthony Averett and Levi Wallace and has plenty of versatility. Up front, Alabama's D-Line will have a challenge against UGA's offensive line, but they should still be able to provide some push. Raekwon Davis, who suffered a gun shot wound just days before the season began, has been an absolute beast all season and will hope to make Fromm uncomfortable and force some mistakes.

The last time we saw an all-SEC National Championship was 2011, when Alabama blew out undefeated LSU. I don't expect the Tide to blow out anybody here; Georgia has the talent and makeup to last with 'Bama all four quarters. The big question will be at QB and on the sidelines. Fromm has been great all season, but he will have to make some big throws to overcome the stifling Alabama defense. Can he do that? Does Kirby Smart have enough tricks up his sleeve to overcome his mentor Nick Saban, who has proven he knows how to win in this big games. I firmly expect a hard-fought, hard-hitting game where points will not come easy. This game has a feel of one that is low-scoring and somewhat "boring". I think things will be close but my pick is Alabama. The Tide looked superb in their semifinal win over Clemson, and are more experienced on this type of stage. I like the Tide to add another National Title to Nick Saban's belt.

NFL Mock Draft 2018: Edition 1 (Early Edition)

Bradley Chubb, NC State

The 2018 NFL Draft still remains many months away but that doesn't mean the long process hasn't begun. Every NFL team in the league has taken long looks at prospects across college football, and many teams are already waiting for their time on the clock. Expect plenty to change between now and the spring, but as things stand in early January, here is just how the 2018 NFL Draft may shape up.

1. Cleveland Browns
Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
Cleveland has invested picks in quarterbacks the past two Drafts, and yet they continue to lack any identifiable franchise signal-caller. They need help everywhere, but it is likely new general manager John Dorsey will want his own guy to groom as he takes the reigns of the franchise. He could go any number of directions (Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Lamar Jackson) but my bet is on UCLA's Josh Rosen. Rosen is the most NFL ready of any QB in this year's Draft Class, and he has the poise and confidence to have success from the get-go.
2. New York Giants
Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
After one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history, the Giants have cleaned house and could very well be looking for a new quarterback with Eli Manning now 36. However, they may choose to wait a year or two to select Manning's replacement, or see what last year's draftee Davis Webb can do. With that in mind, New York should add the best offensive talent in the Draft in Barkley, who will add some serious bite to the offense and take pressure off Manning and his career comes to its conclusion.
3. Indianapolis Colts
Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State
Once a strength in Indianapolis, the Colts' pass rush has been exceptionally poor as of late. They have a number of pass rushers to choose from here at the third spot, but Bradley Chubb seems like the most likely move. Chubb stayed one more season at NC State and it definitely paid off, as the 6'4", 275-pound end had 23 tackles for loss and ten sacks in 2017 and proved he could lead a great defense.
4. Cleveland Browns (from Texans)
Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma
Already adding his franchise signal-caller with Rosen at No. 1, Dorsey adds his franchise left tackle a few picks later in Orlando Brown. Brown protected Baker Mayfield's blindside the past couple seasons and asserted himself as one of the most consistent linemen in the nation. He would be the ideal piece to be the leader of the offensive line as Joe Thomas' career comes to a close.
5. Denver Broncos
Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU
Denver GM John Elway wants to upgrade his quarterback position, but that isn't the only concern offensively. While they still put together solid seasons, Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders are aging, and there is little depth beyond them. Adding an athletic, dynamic receiver like Courtland Sutton would immediately upgrade the offense no matter who is behind center.
6. New York Jets
Sam Darnold, QB, USC
38-year-old Josh McCown did an admirable job with little help this past season for the Jets, but there is no doubt New York needs to develop somebody new at the position. Sam Darnold will battle Rosen for top QB honors in this class. Darnold doesn't have Rosen's mobility, but he has a great arm and has prototypical NFL size. He would give the Jets the franchise QB they have lacked for some time now.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Harold Landry, DE, Boston College
Tampa Bay's pass rush has lacked much bite the past couple seasons, and talented young end Noah Spence can't seem to stay healthy. Adding some help on the D-Line seems necessary, and Landry would be one of the best available routes here. A veteran end with impressive size and a high motor, Landry seems like a great fit on the Bucs.
8. Chicago Bears
Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
Even though he did have some serious ups and downs, Chicago will still move forward with Mitchell Trubisky as their franchise quarterback. If they want Trubisky to succeed, upgrading his weapons should be a top priority. There isn't much young talent beyond Kevin White, who has had serious health problems. Calvin Ridley has been the top receiver at 'Bama since the day he stepped on campus, and adds a deep threat to take the pressure off the Bears' ground attack.
9. San Francisco 49ers
Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama
Since Jimmy Garoppolo was given the reigns of the offense, San Francisco has been flaming hot and the organization appears to be on an upswing. However, they still have major holes on defense, particularly a mediocre pass defense. Minkah Fitzpatrick won the Jim Thorpe Award for the nation's best defensive back after a huge junior season, and his versatility will immediately help out the unit.
10. Oakland Raiders
Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
Oakland already has a game-changing star at linebacker in Khalil Mack, but he can't do it all; this defense is still among the worst in the NFL. Roquan Smith was dominant this past season while at Georgia, finishing tenth in Heisman voting and helping lead them to a Rose Bowl win this past week. Pairing him and Mack will go along way in getting the Raiders back into Super Bowl contention.
11. Miami Dolphins
Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
The return of Ryan Tannehill from injury will likely end the Jay Cutler experiment in Miami, but is Tannehill much of an improvement? The veteran QB has never posted elite numbers, and Miami has been consistently average under his leadership. It may be time to look to another solution at QB, which is where Lamar Jackson will come in. Jackson will need time to adjust to the NFL, but his playmaking ability and big arm should translate just fine to the next level.
12. Cincinnati Bengals
Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
While their offense wasn't great in 2017, Cincinnati still has some exceptional talent at the skill positions. However, that talent wasn't able to shine due to a troublesome O-Line and poor QB play. McGlinchey, an intelligent, experienced offensive tackle should greatly improve the line play, and give this offense the opportunity to get into a rhythm.
13. Washington Redskins
Derwin James, S, Florida State
A torn MCL in 2016 and a disappointing 2017 hurt Derwin James' draft stock, but the athletic safety should still be a first-round lock. The former Seminole has elite closing speed and fabulous hands that have drawn him comparisons to greats like Ed Reed and Deion Sanders. He would bolster a weak Washington secondary from Day One.
14. Green Bay Packers
Arden Key, DE/LB, LSU
Green Bay's defense struggled all season and while there were a number of reasons why, perhaps paramount was a struggling pass rush. Adding a long term pass rusher early on in the Draft is a must for the Packers, and Key so happens to fall into their laps here. The LSU product is an absolute sack specialist off the edge, but is still growing other parts of his game.
15. Arizona Cardinals
Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
Carson Palmer officially announced his retirement from the NFL this past week, ushering in a new era in Cardinals football. It is time for Arizona to undertake the task of grooming a new signal-caller to replace Palmer. If they can't land one of the LA quarterbacks early on, Josh Allen makes a lot of sense here. Allen was inconsistent and turnover-prone in college, but scouts love his huge arm and vast potential.
16. Baltimore Ravens
James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State
Baltimore's offense has been extremely mediocre over the past couple seasons, and a lot of it can be blamed on the lack of elite weapons in the passing game. The Ravens should land their long-term No. 1 here at 16 by adding Washington, out of Oklahoma State. Washington has home run potential every play, and was incredibly reliable throughout his collegiate career.
17. Los Angeles Chargers
Connor Williams, OT, Texas
As Phillip Rivers career reaches the close, the Chargers must continue to focus on protecting him. The offensive line performed okay this past season, but is aging throughout, and struggles against the run, both things that could be solved by adding Williams. The Texas product was superb in 2017, and could push the inconsistent Russell Okung out of a tackle slot.
18. Seattle Seahawks
Austin Bryant, DE, Clemson
Coming into the season with very little fanfare, Austin Bryant had a breakout 2017, pairing with Clelin Ferrell to form one of the country's best defensive end duos. Bryant is an expert at creating havoc up front, something that has been missing from Seattle's D-Line all season. With Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril's future unclear, the Seahawks look towards the future here.
19. Dallas Cowboys
Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa
Dallas has lacked a clear No. 1 cornerback for some time now, and it has led to their defense being incredibly inconsistent. They can solve that issue by adding cornerback Josh Jackson, who had a huge season for Iowa. The athletic corner had eight interceptions on the season, and could be the Cowboys answer to Odell Beckham and the other elite receivers in the NFC East.
20. Detroit Lions
Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
While Matthew Stafford continues to play great, the Lions rushing attack continues to be a serious problem. The unit finished dead last in the NFL in yards this season, and has been in the bottom five four out of the last five years. They need to address this issue early, and adding Derrius Guice would certainly do that. Guice is a powerful runner who should have no trouble adjusting to the physicality of the NFL.
21. Tennessee Titans
Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
Tennessee's pass rush was very good in 2017, finishing fifth in the NFL in total sacks. However, the D-Line is aging throughout, and adding a youthful pass rusher would be the right move here. Clelin Ferrell had a breakout performance in the 2016 CFB Playoff, and has cemented his stock with a great 2017. He would be a huge addition to the unit.
22. Buffalo Bills
Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
The Bills' frustration with their quarterback situation was evident earlier this season when they benched starter Tyrod Taylor for rookie Nathan Peterman, who would come in and throw five interceptions. Somehow, Buffalo was able to get to the Playoffs with their QB woes, but it is time to move on from Taylor. If Mayfield does manage to drop all the way to 22 here, he would be the right move for the Bills. Despite his small stature and off-the-field question marks, Mayfield's swagger and confidence should lend him well at the next level.
23. Atlanta Falcons
Vita Vea, DT, Washington
With solid interior linemen Dontari Poe set to hit free agency, Atlanta will be in the market for an impactful tackle here to pair with Grady Jarrett. This class has a number of productive interior linemen that could be options here, but Vea makes probably the most sense. The massive defensive tackle is an absolute monster in run support, and has impressive potential.
24. Buffalo Bills (from Chiefs)
Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
Buffalo gave up 22 touchdowns on the ground this past season, and vastly need to upgrade the rush defense. It all starts up front, where they lacked much production from an aging and thin D-Line. Adding Maurice Hurst seems like the most likely scenario here. Hurst was the leader of Michigan's top-notch defensive line this past season, and is an absolute machine in rush defense.
25. New Orleans Saints
Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
Offensively, New Orleans has been as great as ever under the Drew Brees/Sean Payton pairing. On the other side of the ball, the Saints have certainly made strides, but they still major help, particularly at linebacker. Tremaine Edmunds proved to be incredibly reliable throughout his time at Virginia Tech, and the rangy linebacker would greatly improve the Saints' versatility and options.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars
Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M
Despite the fact Jacksonville made the postseason for the first time in a decade, their offense still remains highly one-dimensional. Things could be even worse, as top receiving options Allen Robinson and Marqise Lee are set to hit free agency, leaving QB Blake Bortles with no help. Christian Kirk was a beast since the moment he stepped on the field at Texas A&M, and could be a factor on special teams as well.
27. Los Angeles Rams 
Dorance Armstrong, LB/DE, Kansas
Don't let Kansas' 1-11 record fool you; Dorance Armstrong is a legitimate NFL talent who has a very good chance of going in the first round. The athletic edge linebacker recorded 9.5 tackles for loss this past season for the Jayhawks, and has NFL size and strength. He would add another dynamic pass rusher to pair with All-Pro Aaron Donald.
28. Carolina Panthers
Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State
Amazingly, 37-year-old Julius Peppers managed 11 sacks this past season, but the Panthers can't be relying on him nor Charles Johnson much longer. Adding a great, young defensive end is a must in this Draft, and Hubbard would be quite the pickup late in the first round. The highly productive former Buckeye has an explosive first step, and an NFL frame.
29. Pittsburgh Steelers
Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado
After a mediocre 2016, Pittsburgh's defense took a major step forward this past season. But, the secondary will soon be losing veteran corner Joe Haden, and Artie Burns has made constant mistakes. Isaiah Oliver is a strong, physical defensive back who should be able to adjust to the NFL quickly and make plays right away.
30. Philadelphia Eagles
Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA
Philadelphia's offensive line performed very well for most of 2017, but there is concern about the future of veteran Jason Peters. Peters tore his ACL and MCL against the Redskins, and it is unclear what his future looks like. No matter whether he is able to come back or not, adding Miller, a highly talented prospect out of UCLA, seems like a smart idea.
31. Minnesota Vikings
Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
Look almost anywhere and you will Quenton Nelson as likely a Top 10 pick, perhaps even in the Top 5. The reason he drops to Minnesota here is the fact he plays exclusively guard, which of course, rarely equates to a high pick during Draft Day. For the Vikings, getting the talented guard would be a major win, as he would immediately upgrade an okay interior line.
32. New England Patriots
Christian Wilkins, DL, Clemson
It's no secret New England's defense struggled throughout much of 2017, and a lot of it can be attributed to a pass rush that could not pressure opposing quarterbacks. It could be quite a steal to get Christian Wilkins in the late first round here. Wilkins has serious talent, and can play inside or outside on the D-Line.