A LOOK AT OUR TOP 5 PROSPECTS FOR THE 2018 NFL DRAFT

By, Knick Karr

With Christmas right around the corner, some executives are happier than others in the NFL. Some

 have constructed winning rosters, while others are counting down the days so they can blow theirs up. So because we feel bad for those executives here at Climate Sports, we are gonna fast forward to April where it’s Christmas for the NFL in the form of the draft. Let’s take a look at some of the top prospects ready to get their talent unwrapped by the worst teams across the league.

1: Josh Rosen-Quarterback- UCLA

Josh Rosen is believed to be the best prospect in this year’s draft. He has had his best games against some of the best talent this year but there are also a lot of character questions that surround Rosen. There has been speculation that teammates don’t like him and a lot of NFL executives have been scared off by some of the things he has said in press conferences. With the Cleveland Browns likely getting the top pick this year, that is likely the landing spot for Rosen. If I were Mr. Rosen, I would go back to college for one more year rather than accepting that my career was over before it even started. So, whomever drafts Josh, they will be getting a guy like Jared Goff. Worth it? I’d say you have to have a great defense and a good run game for him to be successful. I guess we’ll see.

2: Minkah Fitzpatrick-Safety-Alabama

In my opinion, Fitzpatrick is the most talented player in this years draft. He has the ability to play both safety and cornerback, and may I add he can do both very well. He is a very versatile weapon and will make plays all over the field. Fitzpatrick is by far the best defensive player in this draft and will turn any team’s defense into one to be scared of. He is very smart and has mastered the ability of reading the field. The team that drafts this guy will be very lucky. He has great size and speed and should be a Pro Bowl defensive back for many years. His game reminds me of a guy like Tyrann Mathieu from the Arizona Cardinals, but he has the ability to be better.

3: Sam Darnold-Quarterback-USC

If Sam Darnold declares for the draft, then he has the highest ceiling for any quarterback in my opinion. Notice how I said “if” though. Nobody is really sure what Darnold will do yet. There were reports earlier in the year that stated that Sam didn't want to play for the Cleveland Browns, and if there was any possibility of him being drafted by them, then he would go back to college for one more year. For this article’s sake, let’s pretend that Darnold was joking and he does declare for the NFL draft coming up this year. Darnold has had an up and down season, but he should easily still be a top five pick. He has the upside, physical tools and the intangibles to be a stud of a quarterback at the next level, and that is why a team will pull the trigger on him very early in the draft. Come draft night, expect him to go as high as second overall. So what will a team be getting in Sam Darnold? His upside says that he could be an Andrew Luck type of talent, but let’s also remember that he is a USC quarterback. He could end up being just another guy like Matt Leinart, Mark Sanchez or Matt Barkley. So is his upside worth it? If I was an NFL GM, I would stay away, but he will still be highly touted come draft day.

4: Quenton Nelson-Guard-Notre Dame

I love a good big man, and that’s exactly what Quenton Nelson is. Offensive lineman typically don't get a lot of love when it comes to the draft, but this guy excites me more than anyone in this year’s draft. Nelson has the ability to be the next Zack Martin. He is considered to be an elite prospect, but because he is a guard, that may hurt his draft stock. Nelson should easily still be drafted in the top ten, but a top five pick may be a stretch. Personally, I would draft him just about anywhere, but that’s why i’m not in an NFL front office. When all of us look back on this draft, we will realize that Quenton Nelson was one of, if not the best prospect from this year.

5: Saquon Barkley- Running Back-Penn State

We have been spoiled with all of the talent that has been produced at the running back position in recent years. With guys like Todd Gurley and Ezekiel Elliott, the talent at running back is at an all time high. Saquon Barkley says hold my beer though. I think that Barkley could be even better than both Gurley and Elliott. Barkley truly has a rare talent and is a very elite prospect. The reason why he is so intriguing is due to the fact that he can do it all. Barkley is an all purpose back because he can burn you on the ground, he is excellent catching the ball out of the backfield, and he is very dangerous on special teams. Now in the NFL, I don't see him being on special teams to often, but it’s nice to know that you have a weapon. Barkley has superstar written all over him. I would like to give you a comparison, but Barkley is truly one of a kind. Who ever gets their hands on him on draft day will have won a very big prize and they better prepare for their offense to be one of the best in the league.

Picture Credits: si.com, nbcsports.com