NFL Draft 2018: Order and Predictions for Top Prospects After Super Bowl 52
Except for the Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles, every team in football is looking for players who can help improve their finish from this past season. Even the Eagles are hoping to get better in order to defend their title.
The NFL draft has impact players who can help accomplish that goal.
Perhaps the most exciting prospects for fans are the running backs and receivers who can come in right away and produce big numbers in their first year. This is a deep class at each position featuring guys who will help out in Day 2 and 3, although the Round 1 players deserve a lot of attention.
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Here is a look at the final draft order for the first round as well as a breakdown of some skill players to keep an eye on in the coming months.
NFL Draft First-Round Order
1. Cleveland Browns
2. New York Giants
3. Indianapolis Colts
4. Cleveland Browns (via Texans)
5. Denver Broncos
6. New York Jets
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
8. Chicago Bears
9.* San Francisco 49ers
10.* Oakland Raiders
11. Miami Dolphins
12. Cincinnati Bengals
13. Washington Redskins
14. Green Bay Packers
15. Arizona Cardinals
16. Baltimore Ravens
17. Los Angeles Chargers
18. Seattle Seahawks
19. Dallas Cowboys
20. Detroit Lions
21. Buffalo Bills
22. Buffalo Bills (via Chiefs)
23. Los Angeles Rams
24. Carolina Panthers
25. Tennessee Titans
26. Atlanta Falcons
27. New Orleans Saints
28. Pittsburgh Steelers
29. Jacksonville Jaguars
30. Minnesota Vikings
31. New England Patriots
32. Philadelphia Eagles
*Order pending coin flip.
Predictions for Top Skill Players
Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
Despite finishing with a relatively modest 1,271 rushing yards this past season, Saquon Barkley has a chance to be an instant star in the NFL.
Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network doesn't just think he is the best player in the class at his position, he lists the Penn State product as the best in the past few years:
Barkley's best skill is his versatility. He can run between the tackles or on the outside, catch passes out of the backfield or stay in and protect the quarterback. He also scored two touchdowns on kickoff returns in 2017.
Regardless of where he goes, he should become a go-to option in the backfield and an immediate impact player.
This is exactly what the Giants need to kick-start the offense, especially if Eli Manning remains the team's starting quarterback. He can provide some balance to the roster and turn this talented group into a real threat.
Prediction: New York Giants
Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
Although Calvin Ridley saw his numbers drop as he continued his career, this was more due to the team's offensive strategy and personnel. Still, the receiver showed a lot of talent when he got the opportunity.
Ridley is a major deep threat with his speed, often getting himself open with his route-running ability.
Meanwhile, he can also change a game with his ability once the ball is in his hands. His quickness and agility allows him to make players miss, helping him turn a screen into a long touchdown.
There is some concern about his age considering he is already 23 years old, but there is also little doubt he will be able to help a team during his rookie season. While you might need to wait for other prospects to reach their ceiling, Ridley is almost there.
The San Francisco 49ers have found their quarterback in Jimmy Garoppolo. Now they need to add some weapons, and Ridley can be a major help in this area.
Prediction: San Francisco 49ers
Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU
Having a big receiver with size and leaping ability can change an offense, which could put Courtland Sutton in high demand.
The 6'4" prospect scored 22 touchdowns over the last two seasons, excelling as a mismatch over smaller defensive backs. With his strength and athleticism, there is no reason to believe this will change.
"He's got such a big body, and knows how to use it, that he's going to be a problem in the red zone, on the back-shoulder throws, and obviously on jump balls," an AFC scout told Chase Goodbread of NFL.com. "If he's not one of the first two or three receivers picked, I'll be surprised."
Although he still has room to grow as a route-runner, the former basketball player can help early in his career as an end-zone target.
This is what the Baltimore Ravens need to give Joe Flacco some help in the passing attack. The veteran quarterback will be able to simply throw the ball anywhere in the area and Sutton will come down with it.
Prediction: Baltimore Ravens
Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
Although Barkley is a better receiver and can do more things, Derrius Guice is as good as they come at simply running the ball.
After a productive sophomore season playing behind Leonard Fournette, Guice was just as good this past year as a featured back. He has great size for the position at 5'11", 218 pounds, with the strength and balance that makes him difficult to bring down.
While he is still developing as a player, he is the kind of power runner a team can rely upon on early downs and especially at the goal line.
This is something the Seahawks had during their peak but couldn't find last season with zero running backs topping 250 rushing yards on the season. Guice could fill that gap in a hurry and eventually develop into a star at the position.
Prediction: Seattle Seahawks
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