NFL Draft 2018: Player Position Rankings

Sony Michel, Georgia

With the NFL Draft now two weeks away, we have gotten a good idea about what each prospect is going to offer, and which ones are sliding down draft boards. Over the last few months, I've been working hard on not only mock drafts but analyzing each position group, and where each prospect ranks in each unit. With that in mind, here is my analysis of where the top prospects rank up at each spot.
(Note: not the order in which these players will go, but how I view them as a prospect)

Quarterbacks

1. Josh Rosen, UCLA: I understand some of the concerns surrounding Rosen, but I still view the former UCLA Bruin as the best signal-caller in this Draft. Some may be quick to question his character and past injury problems, but Rosen already possesses advanced mechanics, impressive arm accuracy and solid mobility. In the right system, I have no doubt he can develop into a franchise QB and be well-worth a high first-round selection.
Projected Range: Early first round to mid-first round
2. Sam Darnold, USC: Prior to a relatively disappointing 2017 season, Darnold was viewed as a lock for a Top 5 selection. He still has a very good chance to be just that, but some have concerns about his turnover problems and potential. Even so, Darnold's size and feel for the game should translate well to the next level, and he has proven he can star at a high level, considering what he did with the Trojans in 2016.
Projected Range: Early first round to mid-first round
3. Josh Allen, Wyoming: There isn't a prospect in this Draft that raises debate quite like Josh Allen. You can see the potential every time he throws, with his huge arm and pinpoint accuracy. However, he is incredibly streaky and his stats in the collegiate ranks against weak competition don't exactly inspire confidence (1,812 yards, 16 touchdowns, 56.3 % completion in '17). I believe he can develop into something special, but it will require patience and a system that fits his strengths, something not found everywhere in today's NFL.
Projected Range: Early first round to late first round
4. Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma: Coming off a historical career while at Oklahoma, Baker Mayfield remains an intriguing Draft prospect. He is undersized and there are some character concerns there, but there is no denying his impressive talent level and ability to lead a team. I think comparisons to Johnny Manziel are unfair, but there is also some significant bust potential there, moving him down this list a bit.
Projected Range: Early first round to late first round
5. Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State: I'm still surprised at how little attention and hype Mason Rudolph is getting at this point in the Draft process. He put up huge numbers as a three-year starter while at Oklahoma State, and his arm strength and size are already at NFL levels. Rudolph may not have the ceiling of some of the other big names in this Draft, but I still have no doubt he can be a highly productive signal-caller in the pros.
Projected Range: Mid-first round to early second round

Running backs

1. Saquon Barkley, Penn State: It is hard to find much wrong with Saquon Barkley as a prospect after he put together a dominant 2017 season. He has size, speed, durability and versatility without any character concerns. The running back position may be becoming less valuable in today's NFL, but that doesn't change the fact Barkley should be a Top-5 pick without a doubt.
Projected Range: Early first round to mid-first round
2. Derrius Guice, LSU: Leonard Fournette proved to be well-worth a high first-round pick and while his former backfield mate, Derrius Guice, won't go as high, he should prove to be very productive. The former LSU Tiger runs like a man possessed, and is already an established blocker and pass-catcher. He would be quite the steal if he lasts into the second round, where he is projected to land as of right now.
Projected Range: Late first round to mid-second round
3. Nick Chubb, Georgia: Its hard to remember just how dominant Nick Chubb was prior to a freak injury suffered midway through 2015 but a look at his freshman year statistics is incredibly impressive (1,547 yards, 14 touchdowns, 7.1 yards per carry) and he still carved out two very good seasons at UGA following that injury. There may be some concerns about his long-term health, but Chubb is the type of workhorse back that should be able to contribute at a high level wherever he ends up.
Projected Range: Mid-second round to early third round
4. Kerryon Johnson, Auburn: After a solid 2016, Kerryon Johnson broke out in '17 with 1,391 yards and 18 touchdowns. He proved to be a highly productive workhorse back with deceptive speed and quality experience, all which will be welcome assets at the next level. He doesn't have the potential of some of the other running backs in this Draft, but Johnson is a rock-solid playmaker that will be a welcome addition to any roster in the middle rounds.
Projected Range: Late second round to late third round
5. Sony Michel, Georgia: While Nick Chubb got most of the attention in the Georgia backfield, Sony Michel proved to be quite the difference-maker himself, averaging nearly eight yards per carry and recording 16 touchdowns. After posting impressive numbers at the Combine and at his Pro Day, some NFL teams now view the UGA product as a possible late first round addition. It would make sense, considering his electrifying ability and home run potential, not often seen in this year's Draft class.
Projected Range: Late first round to late second round

Receivers/Tight Ends

1. Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama: From the moment Calvin Ridley stepped on campus at Alabama, he was a big-time contributor, proving to be their most reliable and dangerous weapon through the passing attack. Ridley is a little bit undersized for the NFL, but he makes up for it with his impressive speed and wide catch radius. In a weak receiver class, he is clearly the top prospect in the position group.
Projected Range: Mid-first round to late first round
2. Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M: Speaking of players that have been contributors since Day One, Christian Kirk has been an elite-level playmaker since his first game in an Aggie uniform. He posted 234 receptions and 2,856 yards over three seasons as A&M's top receiving option and also proved to be a special teams demon, with six punt return touchdowns over the course of his career. Much like Ridley, he is a little bit undersized (just 5'11") but he can still find a niche in the NFL as a reliable, productive possession receiver that can move the chains and be a monster on special teams.
Projected Range: Late first round to mid-second round
3. Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU: Playing at a small school like SMU, Courtland Sutton doesn't get much national attention, but he has all the physical traits scouts adore. He has the size (6'4"), leaping ability and athleticism to be a deadly red zone threat, and still possesses deceptive speed. He would be quite a pickup for any team late in the first round looking for more receiving help.
Projected Range: Mid-first round to early second round
4. D.J. Chark, WR, LSU: Compared with some of the other wide receivers in this class, D.J. Chark doesn't have the collegiate numbers to back his name up, due largely to the fact he was under-utilized in LSU's one-dimensional offense. However, he could fit the mold of former LSU Tiger receivers such as Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry, who show off what they can do once they get in the right system. Chark has blinding speed, running a 4.34 40 at the Combine, and it isn't hard to envision him being a serious deep threat in the pros.
Projected Range: Early second round to early third round
5. Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State: While Mike Gesicki technically plays the tight end position, the former Penn State Nittany Lion plays more like a explosive wide out. Gesicki ran by far and away the best 40 yard dash out of any tight end available (4.54) and his vertical jump of 41.5 inches was extremely impressive. Gesicki is the rare type of tight end that defenses have to gameplan against, and a guy that opens things up for his teammates. Scouts view him going somewhere between Round 2 and 4, but if he lasts that long he would be quite the get for whoever snatches him up.
Projected Range: Early second round to late third round

Offensive Line

1. Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame: Guard is rarely a position that goes highly in the Draft, which should say something about Nelson that even though he plays it, he is projected as a near Top 10 lock. Nelson was absolutely dominant as a run blocker and pass protection in his final season in South Bend, and scouts view him as one of the most polished linemen that has come out of the collegiate ranks in years.
Projected Range: Early first round to mid-first round
2. Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame: While Nelson is the best interior O-Linemen in this Draft cycle, his former teammate McGlinchey is the best tackle in it. After deciding to return for his senior season despite flirting with the NFL, McGlichey showed improved instincts and a better overall feel, which impressed scouts. After interviewing well at the Combine and posting strong numbers across the board, McGlinchey should be the first tackle off the board come late April.
Projected Range: Mid-first round to late first round
3. Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA: He may not be as polished as either Nelson or McGlinchey, but Kolton Miller's potential has him as a real possibility to go pretty high on Draft night. Standing at 6'9", 310 pounds Miller has the size, and he flashed impressive athleticism at the Combine. Some people worry about the lack of consistency he had while at UCLA, but in a weak offensive line class, he seems to be well-worth the risk.
Projected Range: Late first round to mid-second round
4. Isaiah Wynn, OL, Georgia: Versatility and the ability to play multiple position is so highly sought-after in today's NFL, and that extends to the offensive line. That helps Isaiah Wynn's stock, a guy who can play nearly every single position across the line. The former Georgia Bulldog blocked against elite SEC competition his entire career and proved he could clear massive holes for his running backs.
Projected Range: Mid-first round to early second round
5. Connor Williams, OT, Texas: There are some concerns when it comes to Connor Williams, once viewed by many as the top offensive tackle in this Class, but his natural talent is still extremely impressive. Despite short arms and average footwork, Williams makes up for it with fantastic athleticism and above-his-age intelligence. Some believe he will eventually move inside to guard, but no matter what, he has the potential to be a rock-solid blocker for years to come.
Projected Range: Late first round to early third round

Defensive Line

1. Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State: With an unbelievably high motor and an incredibly natural feel for getting after the quarterback, Bradley Chubb has drawn many comparisons to another former NC State great: Mario Williams. With 25 tackles for loss and ten sacks in 2017 alone, he certainly has the production to match that sentiment, and a superb Combine assured Chubb should go Top 10.
Projected Range: Early first round to mid-first round
2. Vita Vea, DT, Washington: Even though he may go farther down in this Draft than he deserves because of the fact he plays nose tackle, Vita Vea has the chance to a very special player. He has an impressive blend of size and speed, and is already a proven monster in run support. Drafting Vea wouldn't be a flashy selection, but the former Washington Husky would be a fantastic addition for any team needing help defending the run.
Projected Range: Early first round to late first round
3. Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State: With the amount of talent Ohio State had on their defensive line the last couple years, Sam Hubbard was too often ignored but there should be no denying what he can do. Hubbard has incredible length and a deadly first step, and you can see the potential every time he steps on the field. I think he has the highest ceiling out of any defensive linemen in this Class, but also a decent chance to be a bust.
Projected Range: Mid-first round to early second round
4. Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA: A strong showing at the Senior Bowl first alerted many scouts to Marcus Davenport's impressive abilities, and he has only confirmed them in the months leading up to the Draft. Despite coming from a place that didn't play elite competition, Davenport proved to be a dominant run defender who could get after the QB as well, with 8.5 sacks in '17. There is a chance he slips a little in this Draft, but he has potential to be quite a steal.
Projected Range: Mid-first round to early second round
5. Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama: It is no secret Alabama produces top-notch defensive prospects, and Da'Ron Payne is no exception. The 6'2", 315-pound nose tackle possesses a nose for the ball, and tremendous athleticism. While he didn't put up huge numbers while with the Tide, some view his natural talent as comparable to Ndamukong Suh. He would be a huge get for any team later on in Round One.
Projected Range: Mid-first round to early second round

Linebackers

1. Roquan Smith, Georgia: Smith was the leader of Georgia's top-notch defense this past season, and it isn't hard to envision him being the star of a great unit in the NFL. Smith is blessed with incredible instincts, impressive speed to the ball and solid coverage abilities. He finished tenth in Heisman voting in '17, and should be able to replicate that impressive production at the next level.
Projected Range: Early first round to mid-first round
2. Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech: While I consider Smith the top linebacker in this Class, Tremaine Edmunds is definitely not far behind. Edmunds was highly productive at Virginia Tech posting 109 tackles, 5.5 sacks and three forced fumbles in 2017, and he can help defenses in so many different ways. His ability to play multiple positions is just another factor that should ensure he lands in the top-half of the first round.
Projected Range: Early first round to mid-first round
3. Leighton Vander Esch, Boise State: Vander Esch has been shooting up draft boards, and after once being viewed as a second round selection, he has now jolted into a near first-round lock. Scouts love Vander Esch's tenacity on the defensive end, and his ability to make a real impact as a blitzing 'backer. He got better each year at Boise State, and it isn't crazy to think he can be a star at the next level as he continues to grow.
Projected Range: Mid-first round to mid-second round
4. Rashaan Evans, Alabama: A former five-star recruit, Rashaan Evans waited his turn at Alabama before putting together very productive 2016 and 2017 seasons. He has a very well-rounded skillset that includes impressive run-stopping ability, and significant potential as a pass rusher. Evans is a perfect fit for an aggressive 3-4 defense and seems like a sure-fire late first round selection.
Projected Range: Mid-first round to early second round
5. Josey Jewell, Iowa: He is not highly-thought of as a NFL Draft prospect, but I have to believe Josey Jewell will find a spot in the pros after what he did in his career at Iowa. The strong-willed inside linebacker had a staggering 386 total tackles in his final three seasons with the Hawkeyes and that was with missing some time with injuries. He doesn't have the ceiling of some of the other prospects in this Draft, but he is an established veteran who knows how to play the position. I think he would certainly be deserving of a late second round or early third round pick.
Projected Range: Late second round to early fourth round

Defensive Backs

1. Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama: After winning the Jim Thorpe Award (given to the nation's best defensive back), Minkah Fitzpatrick seems like a high-first round lock. Fitzpatrick was an interception machine while with the Crimson Tide, and he has the potential to get even better. His ability to play both cornerback and safety is the trait that puts him over the other D-backs in this Draft.
Projected Range: Early first round to mid-first round
2. Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State: Even though he doesn't have ideal size (5'10", 180 pounds), scouts have fallen in love with Denzel Ward's speed and athleticism, and he seems certain to the best true cornerback off the board in the 2018 NFL Draft. An elite showing in the Big Ten Championship Game, where he was the best defender on the field, showed just how good the still-improving Ward could be.
Projected Range: Early first round to mid-first round
3. Derwin James, S, Florida State: Missing most of 2016 due to injury and being on a very disappoint 2017 Florida State team has hurt Derwin James' stock slightly, but the safety still should be a stud at the next level. At 6'3" with long arms, James has ideal size for the safety position, and his range and closing speed is already top-notch. He has drawn comparisons to NFL legends like Ed Reed and Deion Sanders, which aren't too crazy when you consider his vast potential. Injury concerns drop him to three on this list, however.
Projected Range: Early first round to mid-first round
4. Mike Hughes, CB, UCF: Mike Hughes was a major reason why UCF had the successful 2017 that they had, as the shutdown corner proved to be a dominant defender. Hughes has some off-the-field concerns to address, but his on-the-field production is impressive, and he is still growing and improving. He would be quite an addition for any corner-needy in the first round.
Projected Range: Mid-first round to late first round
5. Justin Reid, S, Stanford: Justin Reid is another player I'm surprised isn't getting much attention from scouts and teams. Reid was highly productive throughout his tenure at Stanford, and while he doesn't have one dominant trait, he does everything well. He might not become a superstar, but he has the chance to have a long, productive career wherever he ends up.
Projected Range: Late first round to late second round