Bradley Ylitalo’s Scouting Notebook: Top 25 Draft Big Board

Bradley Ylitalo

There’s been some talk amongst fans and analysts about how this class is perhaps a bit weaker than the 2016 or 2017 classes. As much as that may or may not be true, I’m here to talk about the ‘elites’ of this class and just how good it can be.

Picking just 25 names out of this class was not easy, and we have to remember that this board will change a whole lot by the time the calendar turns to April, so don’t be too upset if I leave your favorite prospect off this list. Feel free to ask me about any prospect in the comments section below whether they are on the board, or you feel like they deserved to be.

Top 25 Big Board

1) Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State

Blessed with otherworldly athleticism and an outstanding secondary cast of skills including vision, power, and ability as a receiver, Barkley is just about as talented as they come. The Nittany Lion has gone through some recent struggles statistically, but don’t mistake defenses keying on him and stopping him for a true reflection of his talent. Barkley should very well be considered a top ten running back in the NFL from day one.

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2) Minkah Fitzpatrick, FS, Alabama

Although his future NFL position remains a bit unclear, the one thing that’s clear is that Minkah Fitzpatrick is one hell of a talent. With his athleticism, technique, and football IQ, he should become a bonafide star very quickly after entering the league. Fitzpatrick will bring with him a tremendous versatility, as he should be able to shine anywhere in the defensive backfield.

3) Harold Landry, EDGE, Boston College

With a Hall of Fame level of quickness I don’t know if I’ve ever seen, Harold Landry is almost a shoo-in to be a pro bowl pass rusher at some point in his career. His prowess as a pure speed rusher is nothing short of fantastic, and he can certainly hold his own physically with the best of them. Very solid in dealing with blockers, I have no doubts about Landry.

4) Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame

I’m not completely sold on Quenton Nelson being a top five or even a top ten pick given his position, but he is undoubtedly deserving talent-wise. Nelson combines tremendous strength with brilliant hand usage, which makes him one of the more dominant run blockers I’ve ever seen at the college level. Whoever is lucky enough to get the Notre Dame product should be getting a ten-year starter.

5) Sam Darnold, QB, USC

The Rosen vs Darnold debate is sure to only heat up as we grow nearer and nearer to the draft, and for now, I’m still sticking with my preseason QB1. Although Rosen is statistically the superior signal caller, I love the extra bit of upside Darnold flashes. Capable of walking in and being a viable starting option for a team in need of one, expect Darnold to go top five.

6) Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA

You may be wondering why Rosen is behind Darnold, and quite honestly, they’re QB1A and QB1B in my book. Rosen, the safer of the two, shows an absurd combination of mechanics and footwork that points to him one day being a franchise pocket passer. An almost sure thing in a position where there is no such thing as sure things, Rosen is certainly going to be a top-five pick.

7) Bradley Chubb, EDGE, North Carolina State

Ranking just behind Landry in terms of EDGE rushers, Bradley Chubb is everything you can ask for in a franchise edge rusher. The brother of Georgia Star Nick Chubb, Bradley combines a 6’4, 275 lb frame with tremendous athleticism. With excellent bend around the edge and astute hand fighting skills, the NC State stud has a very bright NFL future.

8) Connor Williams, OT, Texas

Unfortunately, Williams has missed the bulk of his highly anticipated Junior season with an MCL injury in his left knee. The Longhorn made his return Saturday as Texas battled West Virginia, and appears to be getting back into the swing of things. With the best combination of athleticism, footwork, and technique I’ve ever seen in an offensive tackle, don’t be surprised to see Williams rise up these rankings if he shows he is fully healthy.

9) Derwin James, SS, Florida State

I won’t be shocked if Derwin James is my number one ranked safety when winter turns to spring. With the athleticism of a free safety and the body of a strong safety, James has awe-inspiring physical tools that have him dripping with potential. A great run defender with sound instincts, I don’t mind spending a top 12 pick on James.

10) Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State

The number one cornerback on my board with his prolific blend of athleticism and hips, Ward appears to be a superstar man-coverage cornerback in the making. Ward may not have a terrific frame to him (5’10), but his ball skills should be able to make up for that and then some. I’d like to see a little bit more out of Ward the run defender, but overall, there’s not a whole lot to complain about.

11) Derrius Guice, RB, LSU

Guice hasn’t exactly had a Junior year worth writing home about, but his talent and potential as a whole are still incredible. From acceleration to vision, to power, to speed, Guice is an NFL talent through and through. I’m not totally convinced that he’ll be a great or even good receiver, but he fits the bill as a franchise running back.

12) Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama

Another elite Alabama wide receiver, Calvin Ridley may not be Julio Jones or Amari Cooper, but he’s still a bona fide first round talent. Someone who should make headlines at the combine, Ridley will be an extremely tough guy to hold down for an entire game.

13) Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming

The topic of much debate among NFL draft fans, many don’t see how Josh Allen can be considered as a second-round pick, much less a potential top ten one. The bottom line is, the NFL is all about traits, and Allen has them in spades. With some of the best arm talent you’ll see, the Cowboy also has a 6’5 frame, impressive mobility, and a cannon for an arm to round out his repertoire.

14) Tarvarus McFadden, CB, Florida State

Put together a 6’2 body with an amazing blend of hip quickness and pure athleticism, and it’s easy to see why many see McFadden as a clear first-round talent. With the clear potential to become a top fifteen corner, McFadden will be a prospect worth targeting in the middle of the first round.

15) Arden Key, EDGE, LSU

Key has had plenty of problems in terms of off the field issues and injuries, but if he can put it all together he’ll be one of the best players from this class. At 6’6, containing a downright impressive mix of athleticism and power, there’s a ton, and I mean a ton to like about the Tiger.

16) Courtland Sutton, WR, Southern Methodist

Sutton is still developing, but the framework is laid out for a beautiful final product. The SMU superstar has amazing athleticism for a receiver his size (6’4) and can work some magic after the catch. Drafting Sutton is a bit of a gamble betting on his potential, but it’s a risk worth taking.

17) Clelin Ferrell, EDGE, Clemson

Reminding me a bit of Taco Charlton, Clelin Ferrell projects as a very good strong-side defensive end. Someone who will almost never be overmatched physically, Ferrell has all the tools to be a terrific run defender as he finds his way in the league. I want to see him develop more in terms of pass rushing, but all the other tools are there.

18) Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson

Just another dominant defender in Clemson’s front seven, Wilkins shows immense potential as a three-technique. With an elite mix of quickness, strength, and technique, Wilkins could one day become a complete and All-Pro defensive tackle.

19) Ronald Jones II, RB, USC

One of the more athletic backs in this class, Ronald Jones has the potential to be a superstar. With sound vision, receiving, and blocking ability, he should quickly become a three-down running back. My one concern comes with his power, which could hold him back from becoming that true, franchise guy.

20) Malik Jefferson, LB, Texas

In a linebacker class lacking a true top ten prospect in my eyes, Jefferson stands slightly above the rest. The Texas standout has a complete, sideline to sideline game that has me extremely excited about his NFL future. While I’m not completely convinced of his ability in coverage, Jefferson has all the tools to be an immediate contributor at the next level.

21) Dre’Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State

One of my personal favorites in the entire class, Dre’Mont Jones has all the looks of a terrific pass rushing three-technique. His quickness, hand usage, and pass rushing skills are all borderline elite, it’s just the run game that needs to further improve. If a little NFL coaching can give him an uptick in terms of technique when dealing with blockers, we could see Jones develop into a player offenses need to gameplan around.

22) Deon Cain, WR, Clemson

Similar to Derrius Guice, Deon Cain is a first-round talent struggling to show it on the field in 2017. Just like his former Clemson teammate Mike Williams, Cain will make his money using brilliant technique to win nearly every 50-50 ball. Being both a great run blocker and route runner, Cain could be a versatile and reliable weapon from year one.

23) Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville

Perhaps the best pure athlete in this corner class, Jaire Alexander could become 2018’s version of the electrifying Adoree’ Jackson of 2017. Add in silky smooth hips and undeniable ability to make plays on the ball and the Cardinal looks like a potential top twenty selection.

24) Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame

With no glaring weaknesses to his name, Mike McGlinchey looks like a sure first-round pick at one of the more important positions on the field. Standing at 6’7 with some of the best feet you’ll find, I really like McGlinchey to be one of the better year one players in the league.

25) Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado

Another top 25 corner in what is shaping up to be a pretty impressive class, Isaiah Oliver is not to be overshadowed. Another Colorado corner that will garner early-round attention, Oliver could become one of the best run-defending corners in the NFL. I like him in a zone system more than a man coverage one, but either way, he should be a viable option at a marquee spot.

Well, that wraps up this week’s edition of “Bradley Ylitalo’s Scouting Notebook”, feel free to shoot me a question on Twitter (@NFL_Drafthub), I’m always happy to interact with football fans. Be on the lookout for next week’s poll as to which fan question we will cover! See you next time!

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