Looking ahead
Darnold, Rosen, Jackson among QBs with buzz
The 2017 NFL draft is over, but who is generating buzz for 2018? 10 players to watch,
Ten potential prospects (many are rising juniors or redshirt sophomores) for the 2018 NFL draft worth monitoring. SAM DARNOLD, QB, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA At 6-4, 215 pounds, he presents plenty to like with a strong arm and impressive athleticism. His overall command and leadership, however, might put him in rare company for quarterbacks. Despite not taking over as the starter until the Trojans were in a 1-2 hole in 2016, he helped turned the season by winning nine consecutive games, including the Rose Bowl. Darnold has an elongated delivery that will be picked apart whenever he enters the draft (he will be a redshirt sophomore this season), and he’ll have to continue to develop despite losing his top receivers.
JOSH ROSEN, QB, UCLA In returning from shoulder surgery after playing six games last year, he’s part of a fascinating dynamic in Los Angeles. A highly hyped high school career led to a promising freshman season in which he looked advanced beyond his years, turning heads with his savvy and arm as well as a confident and outspoken approach. But this season will be a proving ground for him after UCLA stumbled to 4-8 last year while Darnold and USC set themselves up to cast a long shadow in the rivalry again. No pressure for a player already nicknamed “Chosen Rosen.”
ARDEN KEY, DE, LSU His status remains somewhat uncertain after LSU announced in February that the pass rusher was taking time away from football for “personal reasons.” But Key recently tweeted he would not be sitting out his junior season. A second team all- Southeastern Conference pick last season, he’s already one of college football’s most feared players off the edge after setting a school record with 12 sacks in 2016. At 6-6 and a selfreported 255 pounds (up from his listed 238 last season), per his Twitter account, Key is the kind of rangy and explosive athlete NFL teams covet at his position.
DERWIN JAMES, S, FLORIDA STATE Versatility helped safeties Jamal Adams and Jabrill Peppers be drafted in the first round Thursday, but James offers a unique brand of do-it-all playmaking ability. In addition to his work as a safety, cornerback and linebacker, he occasionally lined up as a pass rusher — and created havoc when doing so. Listed at 6-3 and 211 pounds, he’s a punishing hitter who’s at his best when closing on a ballcarrier at or near the line of scrimmage. He’s also an asset in coverage, though teams likely will want to see more production in this area given his one career interception. James is also coming off a lateral meniscus tear that kept him out for almost all of last season.
JOSH ALLEN, QB, WYOMING Warranted or not, the Carson Wentz comparisons are coming. Allen has the size (6-5, 216), arm strength, mobility and late- bloomer background that will draw parallels to the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback and No. 2 pick in the 2016 draft. And the two were even discovered by the same coach: Craig Bohl was at North Dakota State before taking over at Wyoming. After his first year as a starter, Allen still needs plenty of work. His 56% completion rate last season was lower than any quarterback drafted this year. But he could very well end up as the school’s first Round 1 pick since Lawrence Gaines and Aaron Kyle in 1976.
SAQUON BARKLEY, RB, PENN STATE Next year’s class of running backs could continue the recent strong run at the position. LSU’s Derrius Guice, Alabama’s Bo Scarborough and Georgia’s Nick Chubb all stand as promising prospects. But Barkley looks like the standout. His ability to elude defenders is singular at the collegiate level. He explodes out of cuts and frequently generates big plays almost entirely on his own.
CALVIN RIDLEY, WR, ALABAMA
Ridley is listed at 6-1, 188 pounds, but his aggressive style resembles that of a much larger receiver. A potent threat on deep throws and when working underneath, he is a fluid player who still has an edge. His somewhat limited production last season (72 catches, 769 receiving yards, seven touchdowns) likely was a product of Alabama’s system, but teams surely will be keeping tabs on his role.
MIKE MCGLINCHEY, OT, NOTRE DAME
He opted to return to the Irish for another season rather than make the jump in a shallow 2017 offensive tackle draft class. In 2018, he could still be a coveted player. At 6-7, 310, he has an ideal frame for a left tackle, though another year of experience on the blind side could help him fine-tune his pass protection after his previous work as a right tackle.
MALIK JEFFERSON, LB, TEXAS
It’s taken only two years for Jefferson to show why he was a highly touted recruit. A versatile threat, he can be an asset when rushing the passer but is also stellar against the run and comfortable in coverage.
LAMAR JACKSON, QB, LOUISVILLE
It’s impossible to leave the reigning Heisman Trophy winner off this list. A slight frame — 6-3 and a shade more than 200 pounds at last check — and lingering questions about his development as a passer will be amid discussions about his potential. But as college football’s pre-eminent playmaker (30 TD passes, 21 rushing TDs), he has dynamic ability that’s difficult to dismiss.