This year’s NFL Combine will begin next week, giving the 2018-season draft hopefuls a chance to set themselves apart from the competition. The obvious draw of attention is to the potential quarterbacks of this year’s pool, but outside of the pocket there are several well-deserved young men who will work to prove their value to the league.
Sam Darnold, Quarterback, USC
Darnold is naturally athletic and has an incredible arm, as well as good timing in the pocket. That kind of patience is important, but he also struggled with 13 interceptions and 9 overturned fumbles last season. Still, he is a well rounded quarterback and ought to go in the first round.
Josh Allen, Quarterback, Wyoming
Allen has drawn a lot of comparisons to Carson Wentz, and has made some pretty incredible throws that his competition would struggle to execute. Still, he has a questionable completion rate (56%) and struggles to execute when he is forced to move. With solid coaching, his strength could be a huge asset.
Lamar Jackson, Quarterback, Louisville
Jackson is well balanced in the throwing and running game, and his diverse talent ought to set him apart. He has also proven to be capable of quick decision-making in the pocket, something that takes many league QBs seasons to develop. He has struggled with throwing low which has led to tips, and struggles to complete passes while on the move. Jackson will have to prove his speed and athleticism to overcome poor accuracy.
Baker Mayfield, Quarterback, Oklahoma
The Heisman winner, Mayfield has struggled to manage his off-the-field performance which may be a turn off for some teams looking for the “picturesque quarterback”. Still, Mayfield is responsive in the pocket, accurate, and effective on the run. He also proved efficient in the red zone this season. He struggled with timing on deep throws, which led to a lot of unnecessary sacks, a dangerous habit for a young quarterback. Mayfield ought to go in the first round, but should go to a team who is willing to embrace his style of play on the field, and maybe off it as well.
Josh Rosen, Quarterback, UCLA
Like Mayfield, Rosen caught criticism off of the field last year, but for other reasons. Some question his love of the game and how that translates long-term. Several of his teammates spoke up on their enjoyment playing alongside him, which will certainly count for something. Rosen is incredibly agile in the pocket and shows an ability to withstand pressure. Rosen did struggle with completion when he was forced to leave the pocket, only having a 42% completion rate.
Saquan Barkley, Running Back, Penn State
Barkley’s mastery of footwork allows him to evade defensive pressure. He can manage a solid running game while also showing promise in receptions. He shows some horizontal tendencies in his running game, but will likely adapt his north-south game quickly given the right offensive coaching. Barkley has an exciting career ahead of him, and will likely go in the top 5 overall in the first round.
Nick Chubb, Running Back, Georgia
Chubb has gained notoriety for an immaculate rushing game. Chubb finished his time at Georgia averaging over a thousand yards per season with 223 total carries, and 15 scores. Chubb will likely stand out with his footwork during the combine, but his speed and agility will be determinative of where he goes in the draft.
Denzel Ward, Cornerback, Ohio State
Ward is an incredible athlete overall and shows a great level of patience in his plays. He also has incredible footwork and adaptability, making him the ideal match against a throwing offense. His strength in match ups has been questionable, but he is a definite asset against passing offenses.
Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cornerback, Alabama
Fitzpatrick has gained a reputation in the locker room for his leadership and fierce level of competition. On the field, he is known for his versatility, ability to handle pressure (he is coming off of a national title) and heightened awareness in the end zone. He will do best if he is allowed to develop his patience and endurance.
Frank Ragnow, Center, Arkansas
Ragnow is a tough blocker and shows adaptability between the guard position in addition to being a center. He also has great transition timing. He has struggled with a recent ankle injury that ended his season, and will have to be vetted by Combine physicians. Still, Ragnow could be a valuable asset to a team with an aging offensive line.Â
Roquan Smith, Linebacker, Georgia
Even though Smith is smaller than many of his OL counterparts, his speed makes him elusive to defenses and has proven incredible at zone reads. He’s also gained notoriety for his strong leadership skills and self-responsibility, skills that as a rookie will set him apart from most of his competition. His intelligence matched with his skills will likely get him picked in the first round.
Bradley Chubb, Defensive End, North Carolina
Chubb is an ideal combination of strength and skill for the position, and has proven to be relentless on the field, proving a level of endurance that is highly valuable. He also has shown large improvements over his time at NC, demonstrating a level of teachability. Chubb is a first round favorite.
Taven Bryan, Defensive Tackle, Florida
Bryan is unique in that he is incredibly athletic, but equally flexible and agile. His speed will certainly distinguish himself from his competition but will have to work to develop contact balance if he is picked up. He doesn’t have a high level of production and will require guidance and development to reach his full potential.
