Projecting Every 1st-Round Pick's Year 1 Impact
Instant-impact rookies can change a franchise's direction. At the same time, expectations should be tempered, even for incoming first-round picks.
Each season, highly regarded first-year performers excite and disappoint. Far more is placed upon those selected in the draft's opening frame, because each organization spent the league's most precious commodity to acquire their services.
However, not every young man is ready for the NFL. Only a select few will take the league by storm.
The New Orleans Saints skewed expectations last season when their first four selections all turned into significant contributors and two, Marshon Lattimore and Alvin Kamara, captured NFL Defensive and Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
No one should expect this to happen again. Instead, a rookie who struggles to find his footing is normal. Some will play little. Meanwhile, those who contribute early are special.
Bleacher Report identified where each of the 2018 first-round picks should fall on the spectrum.
1. QB Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns
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The Cleveland Browns surprised many with their willingness to select a 6'1" quarterback with the first overall pick. Despite Baker Mayfield's lack of ideal measurables, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner established himself as the most efficient quarterback in college football history.
Now, Mayfield is the face of a franchise in need of a quality starting quarterback in the worst way. Yet Browns head coach Hue Jackson already declared Tyrod Taylor his starter.
"My plan is for Tyrod Taylor to be the starter and to play the season," Jackson told The MMQB's Peter King. "But I am not going to stop Baker from competing. If he gets it fast enough, great."
Mayfield walked on at two different Big 12 programs and earned Offensive Freshman of the Year and first-team All-American honors.
Taylor is a competent quarterback; Mayfield is special. The rookie should win the job outright and be the league's most productive first-year signal-caller.
Status: Franchise Quarterback
2. RB Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
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The New York Giants were in a position to select the top overall prospect with the second pick and didn't hesitate to submit Saquon Barkley's name.
"I haven't seen a guy like this in a long time, and I've been running around doing this for 30-plus years," general manager Dave Gettleman said, per the New York Daily News' Pat Leonard. "He is the unanimous best player in the draft. It's like he was touched by the hand of God, frankly."
The Giants could have selected a quarterback to secure the franchise's future, but Barkley was in a class by himself among available offensive weapons.
The 233-pound back with 4.4-second 40-yard dash speed is a home run threat as a runner, receiver and returner. He may not provide the most rushing yards in 2018 since a loaded group of running backs are champing at the bit, but few, if any, will be able to replicate Barkley's impact just by being on the field since opponents will have to account for him at all times.
Status: Offensive Rookie of the Year Front-Runner
3. QB Sam Darnold, New York Jets
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The New York Jets finally have their quarterback of the future, and there's absolutely no reason for the organization to expedite his developmental process with veterans Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater already on the roster.
"Once we get him in and he starts the playbook, there is no timetable," head coach Todd Bowles said of Darnold, per NJ Advance Media's Darryl Slater. "We have to see how fast he learns and then get some experience. We're not going to throw him in there, but at the same time, we're not going to hold him back either."
At 20 years old, Darnold was the youngest of the quarterbacks selected in this year's first round. In time, he has the potential to be a good to great starter. But his maturation will require patience.
The incoming signal-caller started as a freshman for USC but only after he redshirted. The Jets can take a similar approach since they have a proven commodity and another player with plenty of ability already behind center.
Darnold will be the Jets' franchise quarterback...in 2019 or beyond.
Status: Backup
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4. CB Denzel Ward, Cleveland Browns
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The Browns preferred the draft's top cover corner, Denzel Ward, over the class' top edge-rusher, Bradley Chubb. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams explained the team's decision to King.
"The reason is our need for a press-cover cornerback," the coach said. "Denzel probably plays that position as well as anyone I've seen in college football in some time. We probably play the most press of any team in the league."
Many will argue the Ohio State product was a reach yet overlook the fact he allowed the lowest catch rate among collegiate cornerbacks in 2016-17, according to Pro Football Focus, and ranks in the 98th percentile in SPARQ among NFL cornerbacks, per Three Sigma Athlete's Zach Whitman. In fact, Ward's physical profile is similar to that of his former Ohio State teammate Lattimore.
Ward's selection wasn't a reach or a mistake since he is already the Browns' best defensive back.
Status: Starter
5. LB Bradley Chubb, Denver Broncos
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The Denver Broncos defense is especially loaded after the team selected defensive end Bradley Chubb with the fifth overall pick. Squads like the Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars came at opposing quarterbacks in waves, and the Broncos can replicate the approach.
"You can never have enough good pass-rushers, and we've got another good pass-rusher but also a really good football player," Broncos general manager John Elway said, per USA Today's Lindsay H. Jones.
Elway's assessment speaks to Chubb's role.
The Broncos already have Von Miller, Shane Ray (a 2015 first-round pick) and Shaquil Barrett on the roster. Chubb, meanwhile, will learn to play outside linebacker and contribute as an edge-rusher in sub-packages. He may not be a starter to open his rookie campaign, but defensive coordinator Joe Woods will find ways to get him on the field.
The possibilities for all four skill sets are exciting even if Chubb takes some time to adjust.
Status: Rotational Pass-Rusher
6. G Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis Colts
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Quenton Nelson is a near-perfect offensive line prospect. Being a guard instead of a left tackle became his only knock since positional value often drives teams' decisions.
But the Indianapolis Colts looked beyond that and saw a dominant force along the interior.
"He's got everything we want," general manager Chris Ballard said, via the team's official site. "... He's good both as a run-blocker and [in] pass pro. He's nasty. He's tough. He's everything we want to stand for as an team."
More importantly, Nelson will help protect Andrew Luck, who is recovering from last offseason's shoulder surgery.
Luck took a beating behind a ramshackle offensive front in 2016 and missed all of 2017. Nelson can step in on day one and provide a presence the Colts have lacked for some time. The 325-pounder offers a unique combination of technical savvy and toughness. He has the potential to overwhelm even professional defenders at the point of attack.
Nelson should play at an elite level. Anything else would be a disappointment.
Status: Pro Bowler
7. QB Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
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A lot will have to go right for Josh Allen to absolve past sins.
Not only does he have to set the right tone in the Buffalo Bills locker room after a series of racially insensitive tweets came to light, but he also has to live up to the team's investment after the Bills traded two second-round picks to move up to the seventh overall selection.
He also never produced at a high level for Wyoming despite his immense physical talent.
At 6'5" and 237 pounds with prodigious arm strength, Allen has the potential to overcome and the potential to falter.
"This is Buffalo," general manager Brandon Beane said, per SB Nation's Matt Warren. "Big guy. An athlete. Really for his size, you look at all of the testing numbers, and you look at the film. Very good athlete that makes plays in the pocket and on the run."
Only AJ McCarron stands in Allen's way.
Status: Struggling Starter
8. LB Roquan Smith, Chicago Bears
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Dick Butkus. Mike Singletary. Brian Urlacher. Roquan Smith?
This year's eighth overall pick has a hefty legacy to uphold, and he's more than capable of doing so. The reigning Butkus Award winner has a chance to be a difference-maker the moment he steps on the field.
"Roquan, he's just an animal," said wide receiver Javon Wims, who played with Smith at Georgia and was also selected by the Chicago Bears, in the seventh round, per the Chicago Tribune's Rich Campbell. "We have somebody who works hard. He's a leader by nature. He sets the standard. He sets the tone. Not only vocally but his play. His play sets the tone for the game. He just elevated guys' games."
The 21-year-old Smith shares his energy by flying around the field full-tilt and makes tackle after tackle. His sideline-to-sideline range is among the league's best before he's even played a snap.
In Vic Fangio's defense, he has a good chance to become the leading tackler among rookies.
Status: Defensive Rookie of the Year Front-Runner
9. OT Mike McGlinchey, San Francisco 49ers
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The San Francisco 49ers are better in the short term while simultaneously preparing for the future with Mike McGlinchey's addition.
The draft class' consensus top offensive tackle prospect will start his career on the right side, according to the Mercury News' Dieter Kurtenbach.
"Right tackles are still playing in the NFL, so that's not a bad deal," McGlinchey said about the notion that he's only a right tackle, per the Mercury News' Cam Inman. "I don't know what kind of insult it is to play right tackle instead of left tackle. I don't think there's anything very much different other than body mechanics."
The 49ers front office paved the way for its McGlinchey selection by trading last year's starting right tackle, Trent Brown, to the New England Patriots.
A year or more on the strong side will allow McGlinchey to acclimate himself while he faces stiff competition. There's no reason to hurry a transition to left tackle as long as the 33-year-old Joe Staley continues to play well.
Status: Starter
10. QB Josh Rosen, Arizona Cardinals
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Josh Rosen said he was "pretty pissed off" as he fell to the 10th overall pick, where the Arizona Cardinals swooped in to select the talented quarterback. He should be. Rosen has No. 1 overall ability, and a smear campaign over supposed personality issues caused the slide.
Rosen is, by far, the most natural passer in this year's class. As long as the 21-year-old is committed to his craft, he can develop into a top-flight starter.
His chance to do so will likely come sooner rather than later since the Cardinals invested a one-year, $20 million contract in Sam Bradford, who suffers from a degenerative knee condition, according to his previous head coach, Mike Zimmer, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Bradford played only two games last season and hasn't played a full 16-game slate since 2012. Rosen will almost certainly start at some point during the upcoming season, and he'll get the chance to prove his doubters wrong.
Status: Starter via Injury
11. S Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama
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Minkah Fitzpatrick is one of the best pure football players in this year's draft class. Yet he fell to the 11th overall pick because he doesn't fit traditional position standards as a cornerback or safety.
The reigning Jim Thorpe Award winner will be a versatile piece in the Miami Dolphins defense. The early plan is to get him on the field alongside starting safeties Reshad Jones and T.J. McDonald.
"[Fitzpatrick] has a little different skill set than the other two guys," general manager Chris Grier said, per the Sun Sentinel's Chris Perkins. "From there, they're going to battle it out this spring. It's all about competition, and we'll see how it plays out."
Jones and McDonald are hammers, whereas Fitzpatrick can play nickel corner, sub-package linebacker, free safety and strong safety. His flexibility will allow defensive coordinator Matt Burke to lean heavily on big nickel packages.
Once Fitzpatrick starts to make plays, no one will care about his position.
Status: Sub-Package Contributor
12. DT Vita Vea, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Gerald McCoy is one of the NFL's most disruptive defenders, yet the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have never had anyone to complement his skill set. Now they do after the team picked Vita Vea.
At 6'4" and 347 pounds, Vea is a mountain of a man, and his athleticism is a sight to behold.
The Buccaneers needed any defensive help they could get after finishing dead last in total defense and sacks last season.
"Whether you're putting pressure on the quarterback and stopping the run or whether you're covering receivers better, they're both positives," head coach Dirk Koetter said, per Bucs Wire's Bonnie Mott.
Vea's presence in the middle will make the Buccaneers better at the point of attack. He has the ability to collapse the pocket as well. Plus, he'll take some pressure off McCoy by demanding double-teams.
Status: Starter
13. DT Da'Ron Payne, Washington Redskins
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The NFL may be a passing league, but defenses still need to stop the run. The Washington Redskins couldn't last year and finished dead last, allowing 134.1 yards per game.
The organization double-dipped by selecting former Alabama defensive linemen in the first round of consecutive drafts. Da'Ron Payne isn't the same player as Jonathan Allen, though. The 6'2", 311-pound Payne is far more physical at the point of attack with strong hands to shed blocks. His presence will make Washington better against the run.
But the Redskins coaching staff expects more.
"He can get back there [to the quarterback]," head coach Jay Gruden said, per the team's official site. "You know, I think he's got great power, and a lot of times the sacks that don't show up on the stat board, he enabled other guys to get them because of the push of the pocket that forces the quarterback outside."
If Payne collapses the pocket like he did during his final two collegiate contests, it will allow Gruden's squad to maximize its edge pressure.
Status: Starter
14. DE Marcus Davenport, New Orleans Saints
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The New Orleans Saints surprised everyone when they traded up to the 14th pick but didn't select an heir apparent to Drew Brees. The Saints aren't necessarily building toward the future. They're talented enough to win the Super Bowl now, especially with a bookend to Cameron Jordan.
The Saints saw something special in Marcus Davenport.
"You're looking at certain traits, and he's a guy that fits the prototype scale and the metrics in regards to height, weight, size, speed," head coach Sean Payton said, per the Times-Picayune's Josh Katzenstein. "He has tremendous makeup, he's very smart, and I'm sure our defensive coaches—all of us—are anxious to work with players like that and hopefully allow them to maximize their potential."
With Jordan on one side, Davenport should grow into his counterpart. However, a healthy Alex Okafor, who is coming off an Achilles injury, played well last season and re-signed with the team. The veteran will likely start if healthy.
Status: Rotational Pass-Rusher
15. OT Kolton Miller, Oakland Raiders
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Jon Gruden may have sent the wrong message as the Oakland Raiders head coach and de facto general manager when the organization traded down yet still reached for Kolton Miller.
Offensive tackle was the draft's weakest position group, and the Raiders forced the situation with the 15th overall pick. Their depth chart at right tackle remains unsettled, and left tackle Donald Penn just turned 35 years old and is under investigation for domestic violence.
"Donald Penn is still on our football team, and he's still rehabbing his foot injury," Gruden said, per the Mercury News' Matt Schneidman. "... [Miller's selection] has nothing to do with Donald Penn. This is about the future of the Oakland Raiders. ... We have a need at the position, and we were fortunate to address it, but it doesn't really say anything to Donald Penn."
As long as Penn is with the team, Miller can handle right tackle duties. For all the concerns about the UCLA product's technique and preparedness, the 6'8", 309-pounder is a fantastic athlete with the tools to become a capable starter.
Status: Starter
16. LB Tremaine Edmunds, Buffalo Bills
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Preston Brown tied for the league lead last season with 144 tackles for the Bills. He left in free agency, but the organization found a more athletic alternative in Tremaine Edmunds.
General manager Brandon Beane said Edmunds' "first position will be 'Mike' [linebacker]" during an interview on One Bills Live. Edmunds is 6'5" and 250 pounds with 4.54-second 40-yard-dash speed, and the organization loves his versatility.
"Size, length, he's played inside and outside, he's played on the line of scrimmage, off the line of scrimmage," head coach Sean McDermott said, per the Democrat and Chronicle's Sal Maiorana. "That's what attracted him to us, so we're real happy with what we did."
The Bills, however, don't have any options to start inside who come even close to Edmunds' athletic profile (who does?). After two straight 100-tackle campaigns at Virginia Tech, a third should be forthcoming in Edmunds' first professional season.
Status: Starter
17. S Derwin James, Los Angeles Chargers
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Meet the next Kam Chancellor. His name is Derwin James.
The Los Angels Chargers may have landed the first round's best overall value when James slid all the way to No. 17 despite displaying top-10 potential.
Gus Bradley's defense features distinct differences between free and strong safety. Chancellor was the game's premier strong safety before injuring his neck. His intimidating presence among or near the front seven influenced offenses every time he stepped on the field.
"Kam Chancellor is a very good player, and Derwin has those capabilities," Bradley said, per Ricky Henne of the team's official site. "But we just need to get him in here and find out where he fits in with us. We've got some good players in that secondary, so finding out where he fits is the first thing."
Jahleel Addae's presence will likely prevent James from taking over at strong safety. Instead, the rookie can fill the void at free safety until the Chargers decide to move past Addae.
Status: Starter
18. CB Jaire Alexander, Green Bay Packers
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In order for Mike Pettine's scheme to work, the Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator needs aggressive cornerbacks who can play on islands while he concocts exotic blitz packages.
The Packers lacked the talent at cornerback to compete on defense last season and made the position a priority this offseason. Jaire Alexander will step in as the feisty player Pettine needs and prefers.
"He's scrappy; he's competitive," Packers director of college scouting Jon-Eric Sullivan said of the 5'11", 190-pounder, per the Black Hills Pioneer's Jason Wilde. "Is he as tall as some others? No, he's not. But I think when you watch the tape, he doesn't play like a little guy. He's very competitive; he gets in people's business."
Alexander isn't afraid to challenge any receiver. The Louisville product allowed a 19.9 passer rating last season, according to Pro Football Focus.
The rookie is already the team's best cover corner even with veterans Tramon Williams and Davon House back in the fold.
Status: Starter
19. LB Leighton Vander Esch, Dallas Cowboys
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Linebacker hasn't been a position of stability for the Dallas Cowboys because of Sean Lee's injury history, Jaylon Smith's recovery and Anthony Hitchens' free-agent departure.
The Cowboys chose Leighton Vander Esch to stabilize their second line of defense.
"If you're going to be a defense that wants one-gappers on the defensive front—you want some quickness up there—then the ideal thing you want is a guy in the middle there that can clean up the gaps but has the instincts to get back and be in line to defend the pass," owner Jerry Jones said, per ESPN.com's Todd Archer.
Vander Esch's combination of size (6'5" and 256 pounds), speed (4.65-second 40-yard dash) and athleticism adds a different dynamic despite his lack of experience. Jones compared Vander Esch to Rolando McClain, according to Rob Phillips of the team's official site.
The addition of Vander Esch will allow Lee to stay at weak-side linebacker, while Smith won't be forced into an every-down role.
Status: Starter
20. C Frank Ragnow, Detroit Lions
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Frank Ragnow became the forgotten man in a loaded class of interior linemen because of a severe ankle injury. Yet Ragnow became the second interior prospect off the board.
The injury didn't cause the Detroit Lions to overlook the fact Ragnow provided the two most dominant seasons by a collegiate center in the Pro Football Focus era.
Ragnow presents some position flexibility, though, with starting potential at guard.
"You look back at the last couple years, there's been a lot of rookie centers that get drafted in the first round, they end up playing right away," general manager Bob Quinn said, per the Detroit Free Press' Dave Birkett. "Listen, whatever position we play him at, if he's ready to play it, we'll put him in there. If he's not ready to play, we won't put him in there."
Guard might be a possibility, but the Lions would be wise to place Ragnow over the ball and leave him there for the next decade or so.
Status: Starter
21. C Billy Price, Cincinnati Bengals
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The Cincinnati Bengals offensive line will look drastically different than last season. Cincinnati made sure of that.
The organization traded for Cordy Glenn to man left tackle, and the same deal also brought center Billy Price to the team.
The reigning Rimington Trophy winner will get an opportunity to start right away and redefine the Bengals' offensive approach. Offensive line coach Frank Pollack likened Price to All-Pro Travis Frederick, whom he coached in Dallas.
"He has similar traits to Travis in that he is a very strong player," Pollack said, per the Cincinnati Enquirer's Paul Dehner Jr. "Plays with his hips underneath him. He's a guy that can anchor in front of that quarterback, so valuable at his position. ... He's very similar to Travis."
With Price anchoring the line, the Bengals should be far more physical at the point of attack.
Status: Starter
22. LB Rashaan Evans, Tennessee Titans
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Mike Vrabel brought a little more of the Patriots Way to the Tennessee Titans than originally expected. Of course, Vrabel's background is obvious. But the mentality and type of individuals the organization prefer changed as well.
To a draft prospect that fit the mold, the Titans made sure to leapfrog the New England in the first round to select linebacker Rashaan Evans.
"We had gotten some info that there [were] some teams trying to get ahead of us, maybe that were behind us [so we traded up]," general manager Jon Robinson acknowledged, per Jim Wyatt of the Titans official site. "We tried to get ourselves into position, and got ourselves into position for that not to happen."
Evans comes from a strong professional pipeline, and he was well-coached under Nick Saban's supervision. This should allow the linebacker to make a relatively easy transition into a similar scheme.
The Titans needed help at inside linebacker after Avery Williamson left in free agency. Evans should slide next to Wesley Woodyard without any noticeable drop-off.
Status: Starter
23. OT Isaiah Wynn, New England Patriots
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The New England Patriots took an outside-the-box approach by selecting Nate Solder's polar opposite in Isaiah Wynn. Solder is a long and lanky blindside protector, while Wynn's squat body (6'3" and 313 pounds) had many projecting him to guard even after a standout senior campaign at left tackle.
Patriots brass has yet to indicate where Wynn will play.
"That doesn't matter," Wynn said when asked about his position, per the Boston Herald's Adam Kurkjian. "Wherever the coaches ask me [or] put me, I’m ready to help contribute to this team wherever I can."
In a draft class bereft of offensive tackle talent, the Patriots took a dominate performer on one of the nation's best teams who played with sound fundamentals, tremendous balance and toughness. So what if he's shorter than ideal? The rest of those traits translate to the NFL level.
What matters is left tackle should be addressed long-term after New England lost its previous starter in free agency.
Status: Starter
24. WR D.J. Moore, Carolina Panthers
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Cam Newton is happy.
Why? Because the Carolina Panthers used the 24th overall pick to draft wide receiver D.J. Moore.
"Thank you," Newton texted to head coach Ron Rivera after Moore's selection, according to the Charlotte Observer's Joseph Person.
Newton has a new toy to utilize alongside Christian McCaffrey and Curtis Samuel. How each fits should be interesting. Moore can play all three receiver spots and be used in screens, reverses and options that demand creative open-field ability.
"When he has the ball in his hands, he turns into a running back," general manager Marty Hurney said. "He breaks tackles and makes big plays. And still he has the speed to stretch the defense and go deep. Runs good routes. He's got a lot of strengths."
Moore's skill set also complements that of Devin Funchess, who is a bigger, albeit less dynamic, target. The Panthers are building a varied group of skill positions around Newton to maximize the quarterback's immense talent.
Status: Versatile Offensive Weapon
25. TE Hayden Hurst, Baltimore Ravens
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The Baltimore Ravens haven't been particularly successful drafting tight ends in recent years. The team's recent history didn't prevent Ozzie Newsome from selecting Hayden Hurst in his final draft as general manager.
Hurst is different than both Maxx Williams and Crockett Gillmore, because his value extends beyond his in-line contributions.
"He's a good blocker, obviously the way they use him," Ravens director of college scouting Joe Hortiz said, per Ryan Mink of the team's official site. "But his athleticism as a receiver and then his hands, he just doesn’t drop the ball and he makes some spectacular catches. He can run after the catch. So, he's just a versatile and talented athlete who can help us in pretty much all phases of our game."
The tight ends already on the Ravens roster didn't create mismatches in the passing game, and there's no reason to even have one on the field if he doesn't contribute as an offensive weapon. Hurst can because of his athleticism and ability to track the football.
Status: Starter
26. WR Calvin Ridley, Atlanta Falcons
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Calvin Ridley surpassed Julio Jones in every major receiving category at Alabama. The rookie now gets to play alongside the former Crimson Tide wide receiver.
"He's amazing," Ridley said during an interview with PFT Live. "He knows so much. He helped me with a lot of different ball drills. He just told me, 'When I go in there treat is as the same way I treat it in here. Take advantage of every opportunity. Go in there and just get in my book and stay focused really.' That was really the message."
Ridley is much different receiver than Jones—which makes him perfect for the Falcons receiver corps. Taylor Gabriel left the team to sign with the Chicago Bears in free agency. Ridley doesn't have Gabriel's straight-line speed, but the first-team All-SEC performer displays exceptional quickness, especially in and out of his routes. No other receiver in this year's class came close to creating separation like Ridley with his nuanced route running and technique.
The 23-year-old rookie doesn't need to be a No. 1 target in Atlanta like he would have been on other rosters. Instead, he'll be another dynamic option in an already potent offense.
Status: Slot Receiver
27. RB Rashaad Penny, Seattle Seahawks
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The Seattle Seahawks had two options to improve their awful run game: upgrade the offensive line or find a better running back. The organization chose the latter.
Head coach Pete Carroll identified running back as a significant problem area before the draft, and the team specifically targeted Rashaad Penny to surpass quarterback Russell Wilson as the team's leading rusher in 2018.
"He'll be a three-down back for us," Carroll told the Seattle Times' Bob Condotta (via Roto Street Journal). "The guy can do everything. He's such an exciting player. He's so versatile and so dynamic. We know that every time he gets his hands on the football he could score a touchdown. That's in the running game and the passing game. He's very gifted."
Chris Carson, C.J. Prosise, Mike Davis and J.D. McKissic are still on the roster, but none of them have proved capable of becoming a long-term starter. Those four backs combined to average 3.6 yards per carry last season. Penny, meanwhile, developed into the FBS-leading rusher with 2,248 yards (on 7.8 YPC).
Status: Starter
28. S Terrell Edmunds, Pittsburgh Steelers
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The Pittsburgh Steelers wanted Rashaan Evans in the first round, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac. Instead, they settled for safety Terrell Edmunds after the Titans selected the linebacker.
Edmunds shouldn't be viewed as a consolation prize, though, because he's an outstanding athlete that ranks in the 97th percentile for SPARQ among NFL safeties. He's also a potential chess piece for a Steelers secondary and linebacker corps in need of help.
"Anything that you can imagine [Edmunds] doing, you saw him do on Virginia Tech's defensive tape within coach Bud Foster's scheme," head coach Mike Tomlin said, per Bob Labriola of the Steelers official site. "You saw him play free safety. You saw him play strong safety. You saw him play deep middle. You saw him play half-field. You saw him play sub-package linebacker in there alongside his brother. That versatility was exciting."
Edmunds' position flexibility is necessary since the organization released Mike Mitchell, Robert Golden and J.J. Wilcox and is also dealing with Ryan Shazier's injury.
Status: Big Nickel and/or Nickel Linebacker
29. DT Taven Bryan, Jacksonville Jaguars
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An already stacked Jacksonville Jaguars defensive front got even more talented with the addition of an ultra-athletic, albeit developmental, defensive tackle in Taven Bryan.
Bryan has a long way to go before he realizes his full potential. Jacksonville is the ideal landing spot because he'll have an opportunity to learn from Calais Campbell, Malik Jackson and Marcell Dareus.
"It is a great opportunity," Bryan said, per ESPN.com's Michael DiRocco. "Those guys are Pro Bowlers. ... They are definitely good at what they do, seeing this past year. I'll come in and try to learn everything I can from them and try to pick their brains as much as I can and try to do as much as I can to help the team out."
Defensive coordinator Todd Wash can work the first-round pick into the rotation without forcing anything. Bryan is an explosive and disruptive presence, but he's still working on the nuances of the position. He'll learn a thing or two from the rest of Jacksonville's defensive studs.
Status: Backup
30. CB Mike Hughes, Minnesota Vikings
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Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer places a premium on cornerbacks, and Mike Hughes adds yet another layer to an already talented secondary that features Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes.
Zimmer favors attitude players who will play a physical brand of football.
"I think it's a perfect fit for him," former UCF head coach Scott Frost said of Hughes, per the St. Paul Pioneer Press' Dane Mizutani. "He's a guy that will come up and hit, and I think he'll really embrace playing around a bunch of other guys with that kind of attitude."
Hughes doesn't present the same length or athleticism as Rhodes or Waynes, but he's a versatile piece who can start in the slot, play all three corner spots and contribute as a returner on special teams.
"I do think the punt return and the kick return did play a big part of it," Zimmer said of Hughes' selection, per The Athletic's Chad Graff. "We weren't as explosive in our return game as we wanted to be last year."
Status: Returner and Nickel Corner
31. RB Sony Michel, New England Patriots
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The Patriots didn't select a running back in Sony Michel; they chose an offensive playmaker. They needed one after the departures of Dion Lewis and Brandin Cooks—the most explosive weapons in Tom Brady's 2017 arsenal.
Even as a first-round pick, Michel won't be viewed as a lead back. Instead, he'll join a crowded backfield alongside James White, Mike Gillislee, Rex Burkhead, Brandon Bolden and the recently signed Jeremy Hill. It's unrealistic for all six backs to make the 53-man roster, so competition will ensue throughout OTAs and training camp.
The Patriots coaching staff prefers a backfield rotation with which each performer provides a certain skill set. For example, White is an accomplished receiver/third-down back. Michel provides a spark none of the other backs can: He's a touchdown-maker, as he showed with 39 scores during his Bulldogs career.
Any time the 214-pound back touches the football—whether as a runner or receiver—he's a threat to score, and he maximized his effectiveness at Georgia while splitting carries with Nick Chubb.
Status: Role Player
32. QB Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
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Ozzie Newsome guided the Baltimore Ravens through 23 NFL drafts, and his final first-round selection has the chance to become one of his best.
Jackson's dynamism is unlike any other quarterback's in the league. Even though he never ran the 40-yard dash prior to the draft, his play indicates 4.3 or 4.4 speed that, along with his flick-of-the-wrist throwing motion, invokes Michael Vick memories.
Ravens offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg once coached Vick. Now, he'll be asked to unlock Jackson's potential.
"Unique," Mornhinweg described when asked about Jackson prior the draft, per Pro Football Weekly's Eric Edholm. "Great runner, great player. Not a pure passer."
Joe Flacco is 33 years old with a bad back, but the Ravens must wait until 2019 before his contract becomes manageable. Jackson will start his career as a backup with a few offensive sub-packages until he takes over for Flacco one or two years down the road.
Status: Gadget Player
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