With the Senior Bowl and NFL combine in the rearview mirror, our prospect evaluations are starting to take shape.
We'll continue to update our board as we get closer to the 2018 NFL draft and complete our evaluations. Although some players will move into the rankings and others will drop out, this provides a good snapshot of which players currently have the most NFL potential, based on our evaluations.
Here are the top 32 prospects right now, along with a ranking of the top 10 prospects by position:
Note: Underclassmen marked with asterisks.
1. Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State*
Grade: 97 | Previous rank: 1
Barkley was the best running back in the nation last season, racking up more than 1,200 yards on 5.9 yards per carry and 18 rushing touchdowns despite regularly facing eight and nine men in the box. Barkley has a distinctive combination of size, agility and power; there just aren't many 233-pound backs with his feet and acceleration. Barkley is also a three-down back, with solid hands as a receiver and above-average blocking skills in pass protection. Making it an even easier evaluation is the fact that Barkley is a driven competitor with very good leadership skills and no off-the-field issues. He checked all the boxes at the combine, as well.
2. Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame*
Grade: 95 | Previous rank: 9
Nelson is a road grader with the size (6-foot-5, 325 pounds), strength, polish and toughness to start immediately in the NFL. He seems like one of the safer prospects at this point and appears a lock to go in the top 10.
3. Sam Darnold, QB, USC*
Grade: 94 | Previous rank: 2
There's no doubt Darnold made some questionable decisions throwing the football last season (13 interceptions) and picked up some bad habits behind a shaky offensive line (specifically erratic pocket poise and loose handling of the football). But when his base and feet are right, Darnold can be a very accurate passer. His ability to extend and improvise is an important trait, and there's a lot to like about his intangibles and leadership skills. He also was able to show off his arm, throwing in the rain at his recent pro day at USC.
4. Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State
Grade: 94 | Previous rank: 4
A three-year starter and two-time team captain, Chubb ended the 2016 season ranked fourth in the nation with 22 tackles for loss. He isn't an elite pass-rusher, but he has a good first step, bends well for his size and has a nonstop motor. Chubb was very productive in 2017, with a remarkable 25.0 TFLs and 10.0 sacks. A great all-around player.
5. Tremaine Edmunds, OLB, Virginia Tech*
Grade: 94 | Previous rank: 7
I was impressed with Edmunds last season. A versatile linebacker with a great frame and speed (4.54 40) for his size (6-4, 253 pounds), he flew around the field, amassing 109 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles. Edmunds had 18.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in 2016. He had a terrific combine and continues to be a riser.
6. Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabama*
Grade: 94 | Previous rank: 5
Fitzpatrick played as a true freshman and started in 42 of his 44 collegiate games. He has a unique skill set and was all over the field last season. He is a true shutdown corner but also can be used as a safety. A good all-around player, he had a strong combine, and his 4.46 40 helped to check another box.
7. Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State*
Grade: 92 | Previous rank: 6
Ward wasn't high enough on my radar early in the year, but I went back and watched some tape from last season -- and boy was I impressed. Spending 2016 behind Marshon Lattimore, Malik Hooker and Gareon Conley (all 2017 first-round picks), he didn't get much playing time, but he has elite fluidity, quickness and recovery speed (a blazing 4.32 40 at the combine). He has closed the gap with Fitzpatrick and had 15 passes broken up (Fitzpatrick had eight).
8. Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming*
Grade: 92 | Previous rank: 14
Outside of scouting circles, Allen was a relative unknown coming into the 2017 season. Most of his appearances in the national spotlight (at Iowa, versus Oregon, at Boise State) didn't go well, but some of that was him and some of it was a poor supporting cast. He is one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks to come out of college in the past five years. He has an elite arm and frame (6-5, 233 pounds) and can make every throw when his feet are right, as he showed in the bowl game against Central Michigan. He has had a good postseason process (Senior Bowl, combine, pro day) and should be gone in the first 11 picks.
9. Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA*
Grade: 92 | Previous rank: 3
I think it was obvious to anyone who watched the USC-UCLA game that Rosen is far more NFL-ready than Darnold as a pocket passer. Rosen is a naturally gifted passer with the touch, anticipation and ball placement you see in most of the NFL greats. But Rosen has some red flags of his own. His inability to extend some plays with his feet is concerning, and it has led to a lot of poor decisions under fire (26 INTs in 30 starts). Time will tell how teams feel about his coachability, leadership skills and passion for the game.
10. Roquan Smith, OLB, Georgia*
Grade: 92 | Previous rank: 8
An athletic, sideline-to-sideline weakside linebacker, Smith played well on the biggest stage in the College Football Playoff. Even with all of the speed on Georgia's defense, he managed to stand out. He had 6.5 sacks and 14.0 TFL on the season, but his potential far outweighs those numbers. A 4.51 40 at the combine confirmed his playing speed on tape.
11. Derwin James, S, Florida State*
Grade: 92 | Previous rank: 11
James is one of the most versatile players we've ever evaluated. A third-year sophomore, he tore the lateral meniscus in his left knee in the second game of 2016 and received a medical redshirt. He played well despite a disappointing overall season for Florida State in 2017. James is one of the most talented prospects in this draft, and his terrific combine showing (4.47 40, 40-inch vertical jump, 11-foot broad jump) has helped his stock.
12. Vita Vea, DT, Washington*
Grade: 92 | Previous rank: 10
At 6-4 and 347 pounds, the former high school running back was a space-eater in the middle of Washington's defense. With 3.5 sacks and 5.5 TFLs, he has the ability to split double-teams and wreak havoc in the backfield. A hamstring strain kept Vea from doing on-field drills at the combine, but he showed off his strength (41 bench-press reps) and speed (5.11 40 at 347 pounds).
13. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
Grade: 91 | Previous rank: 19
My ninth-ranked QB entering the season, the 2017 Heisman winner has done a ton to improve his draft stock. As good as Mayfield's numbers were this season (4,627 yards, 43 TDs, 6 INTs), he's even more impressive to me as a team leader. Mayfield measured 6 feet tall with 9¼-inch hands at the combine, so he checked two of those boxes. I've got him as the No. 4 QB in the class right now. He has handled the postseason process well, starting by showing up and performing at the Senior Bowl.
14. Mike Hughes, CB, UCF*
Grade: 91 | Previous rank: 22
A shutdown man-to-man cover corner who also will support the run. He took some high-level WRs out of their games in 2017, holding SMU's Courtland Sutton (possible first-round pick) to 46 receiving yards and Memphis' Anthony Miller (Day 2 prospect) to only three catches in the regular-season matchup (most of Miller's production in the American conference championship game came on the opposite side of the field from Hughes). Hughes is also dangerous in the return game; he averaged 16.6 yards per punt return with a touchdown and 31.8 yards per kickoff return with two TDs in 2017.
15. Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama*
Grade: 91 | Previous rank: 18
Payne had a good season overall with 53 total tackles and a sack, but I love that he played some of his best football in the playoff. An excellent run-stuffer, he's tough to move off the ball and has the upper-body strength to control blockers and get off blocks. His lack of sack production is a concern and could keep him out of the top 20, but when you study the tape, you see his disruption in that part of the game. A 4.95 40-yard dash at 6-2 and 311 pounds during the combine has only helped his stock.
16. Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
Grade: 91 | Previous rank: 12
Evans came on strong last season, tying Ronnie Harrison with a team-high 74 tackles. He was sensational in the College Football Playoff games, flashing his pass-rushing prowess and versatility as a run defender and coverage linebacker. With the ability to line up inside and outside, Evans has raised his stock considerably, and an excellent combine workout (including a 6.95-second three-cone drill) only helped. Medical results will be key for him.
17. Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA
Grade: 91 | Previous rank: 21
A fast riser right now, Davenport put up 8.5 sacks and 17.0 TFLs in 2017. There's no question that he's raw, but he's one of the best pure pass-rushers -- and athletes -- in this class. He was impressive in practice at the Senior Bowl, and his silly 4.58 40 and a 10-foot, 4-inch broad jump at the combine have helped solidify his stock.
18. Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama*
Grade: 90 | Previous rank: 16
Ridley didn't get a chance to showcase his full potential in Alabama's run-heavy offense, but he averaged 15.3 yards per catch last season and scored a TD in both playoff games. A player with outstanding foot quickness and a nightmare in the open field, Ridley has good acceleration. He's the clear No. 1 receiver in this class, though I'm not sure if he's a true No. 1 wideout in the NFL. His 9-foot, 2-inch broad jump (worst among WRs) and 31-inch vertical jump (tied for third-worst) at the combine raised some concerns.
19. Joshua Jackson, CB, Iowa*
Grade: 90 | Previous rank: 17
Jackson made my Top 32 list after his three-interception game against Ohio State, and he has stayed here since. He's long (6 feet) with natural cover skills and attacks the ball like a wide receiver. He's still developing consistency with his footwork and eyes, but he's one of the top CBs coming out. He led the nation with eight INTs last season, and his 4.56 40 and 38-inch vertical at the combine helped confirm his long speed.
20. Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State
Grade: 90 | Previous rank: NR
The clear top tight end in this class, Goedert put up big numbers again this past season at South Dakota State. A hamstring injury hurt his ability to show off at the Senior Bowl and combine, but he's a rare two-way tight end who should be able to contribute in the NFL immediately.
21. Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
Grade: 89 | Previous rank: NR
Bryan had a breakout season in 2017, finishing with 40 tackles, 6.0 TFLs and 4.0 sacks in 11 starts. He has elite first-step quickness, which he showed off at the combine (1.68 10-yard split). His explosiveness stands out on tape, and his workout matched it. The top two drills that correlate to NFL success for defensive tackles are vertical jump (38 inches) and 20-yard shuttle (4.48), and Bryan had elite results in both drills.
22. Will Hernandez, G, UTEP
Grade: 89 | Previous rank: NR
Hernandez is a mauler in the running game at 6-2 and 327 pounds, and showed off his strength at the combine with 37 reps on the bench press. He has been a steady riser after a terrific Senior Bowl.
23. Connor Williams, OT, Texas*
Grade: 88 | Previous rank: 25
A true junior who had started all 23 games in which he appeared entering 2017, Williams is an athletic, scheme-versatile blocker with a high ceiling. Unfortunately, he suffered a sprained MCL and PCL in his left knee, along with a meniscus tear, against USC and missed most of the season. We still don't know exactly how healthy that knee is, but he crushed his combine workout, putting up a 34-inch vertical and a 5.05-second 40.
24. James Daniels, C, Iowa*
Grade: 88 | Previous rank: NR
Daniels solidified himself as the top center in the class, but that's mostly because Billy Price tore his left pectoral muscle on the bench press at the combine. An athletic player, he topped all linemen with a 7.29-second three-cone drill and should be a first-rounder come April.
25. Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville*
Grade: 88 | Previous rank: NR
Alexander missed six games because of injury last season, but he had five interceptions in 2016 and clearly has playmaking instincts. He's a little small (5-10, 196 pounds) for an elite outside CB, but his blazing 4.38 40 certainly raised his stock. A competitive corner who can play outside or in the slot, he has worked his way into the Round 1 conversation.
26. Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina*
Grade: 87 | Previous rank: NR
Hurst was a very versatile player at South Carolina, where he walked on in 2015 after being in the Pittsburgh Pirates' minor league system. He will be a 25-year-old rookie when the season starts. A solid prospect with good hands who can stretch the seam, he's the clear No. 2 TE in the class right now.
27. Derrius Guice, RB, LSU*
Grade: 87 | Previous rank: 30
Guice isn't Leonard Fournette, but he has an impressive combination of size, power and quickness. He also shows the ability to stick his foot in the ground and accelerate upfield. He played very well late in the season after a slow start, racking up more than 1,200 yards and 11 TDs. After a strong 4.49 in the 40 at the combine, he is my No. 2-ranked RB.
28. Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
Grade: 87 | Previous rank: NR
A prototypical left tackle at Notre Dame (6-8, 309 pounds), McGlinchey has risen on the back of a good showing at the combine. An above-average zone blocker, he plays angles well and gives good effort.
29. Sony Michel, RB, Georgia
Grade: 86 | Previous rank: 27
Michel wasn't the featured back at Georgia, but I think he'll be the first Bulldogs RB off the board. Michel has an intriguing combination of size and burst, and he's a better pass-catcher than his production would indicate. His acceleration and body control were on display versus Alabama.
30. Billy Price, C, Ohio State
Grade: 86 | Previous rank: 31
After starting 55 games and twice earning All-America honors, Price is a plug-and-play NFL starter who should be steady in the league. A torn left pectoral at the combine will likely hurt his stock, but early signs indicate he'll be ready for training camp.
31. Isaiah Wynn, G, Georgia
Grade: 86 | Previous rank: NR
A three-year starter at left guard and left tackle for Georgia, Wynn, finished with 51 games played and 41 starts during his four-year career. Wynn stood out as one of the premier players at this year's Senior Bowl despite dealing with a torn labrum. He had surgery in late January and is expected to be ready for training camp. He is a complete player with a high-level blend of agility, balance, power and technique.
32. Harold Landry, OLB, Boston College
Grade: 86 | Previous rank: 20
Landry had a disappointing 2017 campaign after leading the nation with 16.5 sacks and seven forced fumbles in 2016. He's an explosive edge rusher with terrific burst, bend and closing speed coming off the edge. I have slight concerns about his length and frame -- he's listed at 6-2, 252 pounds -- but he should be an effective NFL defender and projects as an every-down player.
Top 10 prospects at each position
QBs
1. *Sam Darnold, USC
2. *Josh Allen, Wyoming
3. *Josh Rosen, UCLA
4. Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
5. *Lamar Jackson, Louisville
6. Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State
7. Kyle Lauletta, Richmond
8. Luke Falk, Washington State
9. Mike White, Western Kentucky
10. Logan Woodside, Toledo
Darnold is the clear No. 1 QB in this class in my eyes, but all of the top five QBs have flaws. It's a fascinating group.
RBs
1. *Saquon Barkley, Penn State
2. *Derrius Guice, LSU
3. Sony Michel, Georgia
4. *Ronald Jones II, USC
5. Nick Chubb, Georgia
6. Rashaad Penny, San Diego State
7. *Bo Scarbrough, Alabama
8. Kalen Ballage, Arizona State
9. Royce Freeman, Oregon
10. *Kerryon Johnson, Auburn
This group is Barkley and everyone else, but that said it's a really deep class. Scarbrough moves up after a really strong combine performance.
WRs
1. *Calvin Ridley, Alabama
2. *Christian Kirk, Texas A&M
3. *D.J. Moore, Maryland
4. *Courtland Sutton, SMU
5. D.J. Chark, LSU
6. *Jordan Lasley, UCLA
7. Anthony Miller, Memphis
8. Antonio Callaway, Florida
9. James Washington, Oklahoma State
10. DaeSean Hamilton, Penn State
Moore is the big riser in this group, after a 4.42 40 at the combine. Chark has had a strong postseason at the Senior Bowl and in Indy.
TEs
1. Dallas Goedert, South Dakota State
2. *Hayden Hurst, South Carolina
3. Mike Gesicki, Penn State
4. *Mark Andrews, Oklahoma
5. Jordan Akins, UCF
6. Ian Thomas, Indiana
7. Will Dissly, Washington
8. Troy Fumagalli, Wisconsin
9. *Ryan Izzo, Florida State
10. Tyler Conklin, Central Michigan
Hurst is the big mover here, and has worked himself into the first-round conversation.
C/G
1. *Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame
2. *James Daniels, C, Iowa
3. Will Hernandez, G, UTEP
4. Billy Price, C, Ohio State
5. Isaiah Wynn, G, Georgia
6. Martinas Rankin, Mississippi State
7. Austin Corbett, G, Nevada
8. Frank Ragnow, C, Arkansas
9. Braden Smith, G, Auburn
10. Mason Cole, C, Michigan
Nelson is my No. 2 prospect and is rock solid as a player. This is a strong group of interior linemen at the top.
OT
1. *Connor Williams, Texas
2. Mike McGlinchey, Notre Dame
3. Tyrell Crosby, Oregon
4. Geron Christian, Louisville
5. *Brian O'Neill, Pitt
6. *Kolton Miller, UCLA
7. *Orlando Brown, Oklahoma
8. Desmond Harrison, West Georgia
9. Jamarco Jones, Ohio State
10. Chukwuma Okorafor, Western Michigan
This tackle class is weaker than it has been in recent years. Not a good draft if you're a team looking to fill a serious need on the edge of the offensive line.
DEs
1. Bradley Chubb, NC State
2. Marcus Davenport, UTSA
3. *Rasheem Green, USC
4. *Arden Key, LSU
5. *Sam Hubbard, Ohio State
6. Jalyn Holmes, Ohio State
7. *Josh Sweat, Florida State
8. Tyquan Lewis, Ohio State
9. Andrew Brown, Virginia
10. Da'Shawn Hand, Alabama
There is a definite drop-off in this group after Chubb and Davenport.
DTs
1. *Vita Vea, Washington
2. *Da'Ron Payne, Alabama
3. *Taven Bryan, Florida
4. *Harrison Phillips, Stanford
5. Mo Hurst, Michigan
7. B.J. Hill, NC State
8. Nathan Shepherd, Fort Hays State
9. *RJ McIntosh, Miami (Fla.)
10. Derrick Nnadi, Florida State
Hurst's heart condition that forced him out of the combine will be worth monitoring going forward.
OLBs
1. *Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech
2. *Roquan Smith, Georgia
3. Harold Landry, Boston College
4. Lorenzo Carter, Georgia
5. *Jerome Baker, Ohio State
6. Darius Leonard, South Carolina State
7. Uchenna Nwosu, USC
8. *Malik Jefferson, Texas
9. Obo Okoronkwo, Oklahoma
10. Jeff Holland, Auburn
Edmunds and Smith are the cream of the crop here, and both could go in the top 10.
ILBs
1. Rashaan Evans, Alabama
2. *Leighton Vander Esch, Boise State
3. Josey Jewell, Iowa
4. Micah Kiser, Virginia
5. Nick DeLuca, North Dakota State
6. Shaun Dion Hamilton, Alabama
7. Mike McCray, Michigan
8. Jack Cichy, Wisconsin
9. Fred Warner, BYU
10. Chris Worley, Ohio State
Evans made great strides this season after moving into the starting role late last year and is a likely first-round pick. Vander Esch might end up playing on the outside.
CBs
1. *Denzel Ward, Ohio State
2. *Mike Hughes, UCF
3. *Josh Jackson, Iowa
4. *Jaire Alexander, Louisville
5. *Donte Jackson, LSU
6. *M.J. Stewart, North Carolina
7. *Isaiah Oliver, Colorado
8. *Carlton Davis, Auburn
9. Anthony Averett, Alabama
10. Chris Campbell, Penn State
A really deep crop of cornerbacks, this is a strong class.
Safeties
1. *Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama
2. *Derwin James, Florida State
3. *Jessie Bates III, Wake Forest
4. *Ronnie Harrison, Alabama
5. *Justin Reid, Stanford
6. Armani Watts, Texas A&M
7. Kyzir White, West Virginia
8. Quin Blanding, Virginia
9. Marcus Allen, Penn State
10. *Terrell Edmunds, Virginia Tech
Bates III has been a big riser. James is back in the top half of the first round conversation after a terrific combine workout.