"2018 NFL Draft: The Best Players You Can't Miss"

Top NFL Prospects from the 2018 Draft Class

The 2018 NFL Draft was a treasure trove of talent, with many standout players making an immediate impact in the league. Here, we take a look back at the best players from the 2018 draft class, highlighting their collegiate careers, draft positions, and professional achievements.

Quarterbacks

The 2018 draft was headlined by a talented group of quarterbacks, with Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold going first and third overall, respectively. Mayfield, the 2017 Heisman Trophy winner, was a dynamic playmaker at Oklahoma, known for his accuracy, mobility, and clutch performances. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns and led them to their first playoff appearance in nearly two decades in 2020.

Darnold, a three-year starter at USC, possessed a strong arm and the ability to extend plays with his feet. He was selected by the New York Jets and has shown promise, despite the team's struggles. Other notable quarterbacks from the 2018 class include Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills), Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens), and Josh Rosen (Arizona Cardinals).

Running Backs

Saquon Barkley was the consensus top running back in the 2018 draft and was selected second overall by the New York Giants. Barkley's incredible combination of size, speed, and elusiveness made him a lethal weapon out of the backfield at Penn State. He won the 2018 Offensive Rookie of the Year award and has since established himself as one of the league's premier running backs.

Derrius Guice (Washington Redskins) and Sony Michel (New England Patriots) were also highly regarded prospects who had successful rookie campaigns. Guice, a powerful runner with breakaway speed, was limited by injuries in his first two seasons but showed promise when healthy. Michel, a key contributor to Alabama's national championship team in 2017, played a significant role in the Patriots' Super Bowl LIII victory.

Wide Receivers

Calvin Ridley, a smooth and polished route runner from Alabama, was the first wide receiver selected in the 2018 draft, going to the Atlanta Falcons at pick 26. Ridley's ability to create separation and make contested catches has made him a consistent producer in the Falcons' offense.

D.J. Moore (Carolina Panthers) and Courtland Sutton (Denver Broncos) were also highly regarded prospects who made significant contributions as rookies. Moore, a versatile playmaker from Maryland, led all rookie receivers in receptions and receiving yards. Sutton, a physical specimen with impressive catch radius, emerged as a reliable target for Broncos quarterbacks.

Tight Ends

Iowa's T.J. Hockenson was the first tight end drafted in 2018, going ninth overall to the Detroit Lions. Hockenson's exceptional blocking ability and receiving prowess made him a valuable asset in the Lions' offense. He was named to the Pro Bowl in his rookie season.

Dallas Goedert (Philadelphia Eagles) was another standout tight end prospect who made an impact as a rookie. Goedert's ability to stretch the field and make plays after the catch has made him a valuable complement to Pro Bowl tight end Zach Ertz in the Eagles' offense.

Defensive Players

The 2018 draft featured a deep class of defensive prospects, with Bradley Chubb (Denver Broncos) and Quenton Nelson (Indianapolis Colts) going fifth and sixth overall, respectively. Chubb, a dominant pass rusher from North Carolina State, led all rookies with 12 sacks in his first season. Nelson, a versatile and powerful offensive lineman from Notre Dame, was a cornerstone piece in the Colts' offensive line and was named to the Pro Bowl in his rookie year.

Other notable defensive players from the 2018 class include Minkah Fitzpatrick (Miami Dolphins/ Pittsburgh Steelers), Denzel Ward (Cleveland Browns), and Leighton Vander Esch (Dallas Cowboys). Fitzpatrick, a versatile defensive back from Alabama, was traded to the Steelers midway through his rookie season and has since developed into one of the league's top safeties. Ward, a lockdown cornerback from Ohio State, was the fourth overall pick and has lived up to expectations, earning a Pro Bowl nod in his rookie season. Vander Esch, a physical and instinctive linebacker from Boise State, emerged as a key playmaker in the Cowboys' defense and was named to the Pro Bowl as a rookie.