USA TODAY International Edition
Barkley stands out as complete package
USA TODAY ranks the top 40 prospects available in the NFL draft.
1. Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State: Speed, power, elusiveness, instincts and pass-catching ability make him the complete package. It’s rare for a running back to earn widespread consideration as the best overall prospect in any draft, but Barkley’s complete skill set is something seldom seen.
2. Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame: With overwhelming power and nimble feet, he might be a generational prospect. Nelson is one of the draft’s best bets to be a long-term standout.
3. Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA: The most polished of all the passers available. So long as Rosen develops a better feel for pressure and cuts down on forced throws, he should have no trouble consistently picking apart defenses in the short to intermediate area that now largely defines most passing attacks.
4. Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia: When he’s on the field, Smith stands a good chance to be the first defender to find the ball on a given play.
5. Derwin James, S, Florida State: Whether working in coverage, at the line of scrimmage or as a blitzer, James is a lightning strike capable of short-circuiting any offense.
6. Bradley Chubb, DE North Carolina State: Stouter and more polished than most pass rushers at this stage, Chubb has the ability to close out on opponents in the backfield thanks to acceleration, strength and hand usage.
7. Sam Darnold, QB, Southern California: Very nearly the total package, he has perhaps the best combination of easy athleticism and leadership of any passer.
8. Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State: Fluid athleticism and a well-rounded skill set should help him follow in the steps of 2017 defensive rookie of the year Marshon Lattimore and the Buckeyes’ other recent first-round defensive backs.
9. Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabama: With a proven track record working in the slot as well as at safety and outside linebacker, he projects as a versatile leader who will be at ease with an assortment of coverage responsibilities.
10. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma: The Heisman Trophy winner is hardly the prototype of an NFL passer at just over 6-0 and 215 pounds. But his rapidfire delivery and prowess throwing into tight windows elevate him to a level other quarterbacks of comparable statures have struggled to reach.
11. Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama: In a muddled receiver class, his deep speed and comfort creating his own separation leave him as the top pass-catching weapon available.
12. Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech: At 6-5 and 253 pounds with explosive speed, he might have the highest ceiling of any defender in this draft.
13. DJ Moore, WR, Maryland: Finally getting his due over the last few months, he has become one of the draft’s biggest post-combine risers.
14. Harold Landry, DE-OLB, Boston College: A quick burst and acrobatic bend make him difficult to handle off the edge.
15. Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa: The Bowl Subdivision leader with eight interceptions has just one year of experience as a starter.
16. Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville: Overshadowed after an injury-plagued season, he has since reaffirmed he is smooth and aggressive.
17. Isaiah Wynn, G, Georgia: Wynn’s comfort in both mirroring pass rushers and paving holes in the run game should make him a high-end starter.
18. Derrius Guice, RB, LSU: Issuing a warning to any team that might pass on him, Guice said, “If you don’t draft me, I’m going to give your defense hell.”
19. Sony Michel, RB, Georgia: The shiftiness and acceleration are reminiscent of reigning offensive rookie of the year Alvin Kamara.
20. Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan: His initial burst and ability to fire through gaps are unmatched among interior defenders in this class.
21. Marcus Davenport, DE, TexasSan Antonio: Pairing a lengthy (6-6, 264 pounds) frame with impressive speed, Davenport has the tools to be a terror off the edge.
22. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville: The playmaking ability is impossible to ignore.
23. Will Hernandez, G, Texas-El Paso: A mauler in the run game, he is a throwback who should set the right tone for almost any line.
24. Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama: He’ll make his living working sideline to sideline in coverage. 25. Da’Ron Payne, DT, Alabama: Commanding double teams and anchoring at the point of attack is his game.
26. Vita Vea, DT, Washington: As a run stuffer, he is already operating at a pro level.
27. Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame: McGlinchey brings a strong punch as the best overall offering at tackle.
28. Taven Bryan, DT, Florida: “The Wyoming Wild Man” either will be a coach’s dream or disappointment, as he oscillates between dispatching opposing linemen and taking himself out of plays by being overly aggressive.
29. James Daniels, C, Iowa: Flexible and fluid on the move, he shapes up to be the top center in this class.
30. Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State: Still learning to tap into his considerable physical skills after only one year as a starter.
31. Connor Williams, G-OT, Texas: Teams won’t have trouble finding a place for one of the draft’s best technicians.
32. Anthony Miller, WR, Memphis: More than a slot maven, Miller will make life easy for any quarterback with his giant catch radius and outstanding body control.
33. Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado: His physical traits point toward a No. 1 cornerback who can thrive in press coverage.
34. Justin Reid, S, Stanford: With experience playing an assortment of roles, he has the savvy and skill set to be the versatile piece defensive coordinators crave in the secondary.
35. Mike Hughes, CB, Central Florida: Toughness and physical style should make him a pest for opposing receivers.
36. Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia: Chubb demonstrates the know-how needed to be consistently effective in tight quarters.
37. Billy Price, C, Ohio State: A pectoral injury at the combine pushed him off the radar a bit, but strength, sound approach and leadership will keep him in high demand.
38. Ronald Jones, RB, Southern California: A breakaway threat.
39. Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State: In a league driven by creating mismatches, the former volleyball and basketball standout will be an imposing target.
40. Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State: He has the speed and body control to become a dependable downfield threat.