2018 NFL DRAFT: SEE THE TOP PROSPECTS
See the strengths (many) and the weaknesses (few) of the players projected to go high in the draft, which begins on Thursday night.
Sam Darnold-x, 6-3, 220, USC, QB Strengths: Excellent arm, good size and can make accurate throws — or the occasional positive run — when the pocket breaks down. Works his progressions. Weaknesses: Ball security. Ball security. Ball security. Fact: His grandfather, Dick Hammer, was an Olympic volleyball player and an actor who played the Marlboro Man. Gone by: Pick No. 3. Saquon Barkley-x, 6-0, 233, Penn State, RB Strengths: Quick feet, sharp cuts, top-end speed, powerful lower body, solid pass catcher, willing blocker and, by all accounts, excellent work ethic. Weaknesses: The one knock: He needs to use that power to run through more tacklers and push piles forward. Fact: The ffiirst Penn State player to reach 3,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving. Gone by: Browns at No. 4. Josh Rosen-x, 6-4, 226, UCLA, QB Strengths: Polished passer with excellent mechanics, and nice touch. Weaknesses: Durability issues in college. Will force plays unnecessarily. Fact: Was an elite youth tennis player. Gone by: Top five or so. Minkah Fitzpatrick-x, 6-1, 201, Alabama, DB Strengths: Versatility, intelligence, instincts, leadership and smooth athleticism. Weaknesses: The nits to pick: He is not an explosive hitter and maybe he could use a few extra pounds. Fact: Returned four interceptions for touchdowns in his first two seasons at Alabama. Gone by: Only the NFL’s love affair with quarterbacks keeps him around past the top five. Bradley Chubb, 6-foot-4, 269 pounds, North Carolina State, DE Strengths: Rushes with a good combination of power and speed, and varied moves. Holds his ground well against the run. Weaknesses: Not quite the elite athleticism of a player such as Myles Garrett, which could limit his upside. Fact: Wore No. 9 at N.C. State the last two seasons for former Wolfpack defensive end and No. 1 overall pick Mario Williams. Gone by: Pick No. 5 or 6. Derwin James-x, 6-3, 211, Florida State, S Strengths: A little more explosive athleticism, but not quite as much polish as Fitzpatrick. Weaknesses: Anticipation and diagnosis of plays needs some work. Fact: Missed almost all of the 2016 season to a knee injury. Gone by: No. 8 or so.