20 prospects who have boosted their 2018 NFL Draft stock
10. Josh Jackson, DB, Iowa
After playing just 297 snaps in two seasons at Iowa, Jackson has erupted onto the scene in 2017 and established himself as, arguably, one of the best defenders in the country. Those who watched Iowa’s game against Ohio State know how good he can be. He intercepted three passes in that game, including a one-handed Odell Beckham-like grab. Jackson is among the highest ranked cornerbacks in the nation courtesy of Pro Football Focus and is now in discussions as a potential first-round pick.
9. Maurice Hurst, DL, Michigan
Entering the season, there were some questions about whether or not Taco Charlton made Maurice Hurst look better a season ago. With Charlton now in the NFL, it would appear as if Hurst helped propel Charlton into the first-round of the draft a season ago. Accordingly, Hurst has already seen his solid draft stock trend upward and, in many cases, into the top 10. The senior has stepped up in some of Michigan’s biggest games and is riding a four-game sack streak.
8. J.T. Barrett, QB, Ohio State
A fringe NFL Draft prospect entering the season, J.T. Barrett has established himself as a solid option for a developmental quarterback. And while he’s had some issues with turnovers — he threw four interceptions against Iowa — his accuracy and decision making has improved from a season ago. He’s relying less on his legs, more on his arm and as a result, he’s put himself in position to have the NFL come calling.
7. Rashaad Penny, RB, San Diego State
Rashaad Penny has fallen out of the Heisman Trophy conversation in recent weeks, but his impressive season still has him in a better position to be drafted than when it began. A career backup, Penny took over for Donnel Pumphrey and essentially grabbed the bull by the horns. He’s thrust himself into the second and third-round conversation, and if he can put up even bigger numbers down the stretch, may guarantee himself a second-round selection. For the season, the senior has 1,602 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns.
6. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
Mayfield may not be considered among the best quarterbacks in the 2018 draft class, but with several impressive statistical performances this season and a strong arm, he’s certainly begun to climb the ranks. The former Texas Tech walk-on has increased his completion percentage every season, as well as his TD/interception ratio, and he appears poised to eclipse the 4,000-yard passing mark. He’s drawn comparisons to Drew Brees due to his size (he’s 6-foot-1) and Brett Favre due to his gunslinging mentality. Where he ends up at season’s end remains to be seen, but he’s thrust himself into an important conversation for team’s looking at post-first-round quarterbacks.
5. Mark Andrews, TE, Oklahoma
Mark Andrews was considered a name to watch entering the season, but there was no telling just how far he would catapult. With a few big games early on, it became quickly obvious the pre-season hype was warranted. Andrews has benefited from becoming Baker Mayfield’s primary target, and his size (6-foot-5, 254 pounds) is something NFL scouts will love. If he tests well at the combine, he’ll guarantee himself a mid-first-round selection.
4. Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado
After spending last season behind Ahkello Witherspoon and Chidobe Awuzie, Oliver had an opportunity to come in and start in 2017. Thus far, he has not squandered that opportunity. With size (6-foot-1, 200 pounds) that NFL coaches will like and strong film compiled so far this season, Oliver is making a push to be considered the best cornerback available in the 2018 NFL Draft. The junior has two interceptions this season and three on his career. He’s missed action this season due to a leg injury.
3. Bradley Chubb, DE, North Carolina State
Chubb wasn’t necessarily low on draft boards entering the season, but he was buried behind more prolific pass rushers early on. Now deep into the season, Chubb has not only improved his overall stock, but also played well enough to warrant consideration among the same talent that previously drown him out. From fringe first-rounder to guaranteed first-round, Chubb is still ascending, even if his towel-thieving ways leaves some scratching their heads. The senior has 16 tackles for a loss this season, including 7.5 sacks.
2. Bryce Love, RB, Stanford
For some, Christian McCaffrey’s Stanford replacement wasn’t really on the map entering 2017, but things have most certainly changed. Love has gained over 1,450 yards on the season and scored 12 touchdowns — at least one in every single game he’s played. And although he doesn’t have top-end speed, he’s managed in excess of 20 20-yard runs due in large part to his patience ability to read blocks. He’s got some work to do as a receiver, but he’s skyrocketed up draft boards nonetheless.
1. Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
Saquon Barkley has long been considered a quality running back talent, but his Heisman Trophy campaign in 2017 has helped establish him as the best running back prospect in the country and a potential No. 1 overall pick. The mere fact that Barkley is getting that kind of love despite the NFL devaluing the running back position speaks volumes about what scouts expect of him in the future. Some have gone as far as to say he’s a better prospect then Ezekiel Elliott was in 2016, and Elliott went on to become the NFL’s leading rusher as a rookie.
