This year’s NFL Draft was one of the most entertaining in recent memory and chock full of polarizing prospects. With no true consensus on this year’s top talent, we want to know which top ten pick you expect to make the biggest impact right out of the gate.
Early on in the draft process, few expected Baker Mayfield to be in the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick. As it turns out, the Browns were laser-focused on the Oklahoma quarterback and took him first overall. We’ve heard nothing but praise for Mayfield’s competitive nature, but questions persist about his size. And, while many like Mayfield’s potential in the long run, he’s positioned behind Tyrod Taylor on the Browns’ depth chart.
Many football evaluators feel that Saquon Barkley is not only the best talent in this year’s crop, but also the safest. The Giants’ decision to use the No. 2 overall pick on a running back was not well received by everyone, but he profiles as a star at the next level with a prime opportunity to excel immediately. Barkley will anchor the Giants’ running game and should have room to run as opposing defenses account for an aerial attack led by Odell Beckham Jr.
The other tenants of MetLife Stadium also feel good about their top overall pick. Sam Darnold was the darling of the scouting world for years and few expected him to fall to No. 3 back in January. Darnold continues to draw rave reviews from camp, but he is still stationed behind Josh McCown – and maybe Teddy Bridgewater – on the depth chart. It’s possible that Darnold will wind up as the Jets’ starter at some point this year, but it’s also possible that he will not see the field in his rookie season.
Beyond the much ballyhooed top three, there are plenty of other quality bets in the top ten. New Broncos defensive end Bradley Chubb has the size and athleticism to excel right away, guard Quenton Nelson could help to fix the Colts’ porous offensive line, and Roquan Smith‘s top-end speed could make him a terror right off of the bat for the Bears. Alternatively, you may feel bullish about Denzel Ward‘s coverage ability, Josh Allen‘s cannon of an arm, Mike McGlinchey‘s pro-ready blocking technique, or Josh Rosen‘s potential to overtake a pair of veterans to become the Cardinals’ top QB.
Click here to cast your vote and defend your choice in the comments section below:
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Non-existent.
Barkley
Running backs transition from college to the pros is usually seemless. Will be ROY as well
Chubb was the best player in this draft ,Barkley will be good but his game depends a lot on the guys blocking in front of him
Chubb was the best player in the draft who is now on a defensive-minded team and will star opposite of Von Miller. That’s a recipe for success.
Ward
What about that Raquan Smith. Anyone who watched the national championship game saw his skills.
barkley hands down.
Surprised Ward is last as of right now. Although I think this is between Chubb and Barkley. Barkley should have no issues transitioning to the pros. And Chubb playing opposite of Von Miller should have a big impact on his performance.
If the poll was for “best addition” I would be tempted to vote for Quentin Nelson, who is exactly who the Colts needed to pair with Ryan Kelly and help rebuild that awful offensive line. But it’s kind of hard for a guard to have a noticeable impact by himself, so I voted for Saquon. If there was ever a rookie running back who could still still flourish behind a mediocre offensive line, it’s Barkley.
Chubb or Roquan for DROY.
Barkley or Guice OROY.
Overall I’ll say Chubb.