2018 Football Draft Kit: Rookies to Watch

QUARTERBACK

Baker Mayfield, Browns
6-1, 215, Oklahoma – 1st Round (1st overall)

Even though Mayfield doesn't have ideal height, he didn't have many balls tipped or batted down at the line in college, completing more than 70 percent of his passes the last two years. He faces a bit of a learning curve coming from a spread system in which he rarely played under center, but his strong arm and mobility should translate to the pro game, which he likely will have plenty of time to learn. Tyrod Taylor is the starter entering training camp, and the Browns appear content to let Mayfield sit, though coach Hue Jackson left the door open.

Sam Darnold, Jets
6-3, 225, USC – 1st (3rd)

The Jets' quarterback of the future could be the quarterback of the present with only Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater in his way. First, though, Darnold must address his turnover issues by improving his decision-making and not holding the ball so long. Concern about Darnold's windup delivery appears overblown, as he still generates enough velocity to overcome the extra release time. If Darnold doesn't win the starting job in camp, it shouldn't be too long before he takes over, and his size, strong arm and ability to elude pressure should fit well in new offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates' West Coast scheme.

Josh Rosen, Cardinals
6-4, 218/ UCLA – 1st (10th)

Rosen might be the most NFL-ready QB in this year's draft, as he has top-shelf mechanics and footwork, processes information quickly and played in a pro-style system in college. But while he's an accurate passer, he doesn't have great arm strength. But neither does Sam Bradford, with whom Rosen will compete for the starting job. Bradford is expected to start Week 1, but he's injury prone and not the future in Arizona. It wouldn't be surprising to see Rosen by midseason.

Josh Allen, Bills
6-5, 237, Wyoming – 1st (7th)

Allen is the most polarizing quarterback prospect in recent memory. He has tantalizing size and arm strength but was a highly inaccurate passer in college and needs time to develop his decision-making, timing and touch. He is not expected to win the starting job out of training camp, but with the unproven AJ McCarron and uninspiring Nathan Peterman as competition, Allen could arrive before long. While his ceiling is undeniable, he likely will have many growing pains.

Lamar Jackson, Ravens
6-2, 216, Louisville – 1st (32nd)

The Ravens traded up to snag Jackson, who is expected to push Joe Flacco aside, if not this year then next. The team is committed to Flacco as the starter this season, but the salary cap savings next year could pave the way for the Jackson era to begin in 2019. The dual-threat Jackson is an explosive playmaker who can take over games with his legs or his arm. He ran an offense with pro concepts at Louisville, but he needs to tighten up his short and intermediate accuracy to have sustainable success.

RUNNING BACK

Saquon Barkley, Giants
5-11, 233, Penn State – 1st (2nd)

By most accounts, Barkley is as close to a sure thing as there can be at running back. He is well built with a powerful lower body that lets him run through tacklers, which makes his speed and agility even more devastating. He is also a good receiver and blocker, ensuring three-down status. With a big workload expected behind an significantly upgraded offensive line, Barkley is an easy mid-first-round fantasy pick.

Rashaad Penny, Seahawks
5-11, 220, San Diego State – 1st (27th)

In one of the draft's biggest surprises, Penny was the second running back selected, landing with a team desperate for a running game. A powerful runner with 4.46 speed, Penny is coming off a 2,248-yard season (5th most all-time) in which he averaged 7.8 YPC on 289 carries. Considering his draft position as well as the level of his competition, Penny should open the season as the starter. Volume is king and Penny should have his share.

Ronald Jones II, Buccaneers
5-11, 208, USC – 2nd (38th)

The Buccaneers were expected to nab a running back in the first two rounds of the draft after ranking 27th in rushing average last season. And with only the plodding Peyton Barber in his way for early down work, Jones will get every chance to make an impact this season. Jones has a nice blend of explosiveness and elusiveness, but he could give way to the bigger Barber (5-foot-11, 225) at the goal line, and veterans Jacquizz Rodgers and Charles Sims figure to be on the field in passing situations. Still, Jones should have plenty of opportunities to help fantasy owners.

Derrius Guice, Redskins
5-11 /225, LSU – 2nd (59th)

Injuries and character questions caused Guice to slide to 59th overall, but on talent alone, he is arguably the second-best running back in this year's draft, boasting breakaway speed and a violent running style. It worked out, though, as he landed in a fortuitous spot with the Redskins. Chris Thompson is a lock for passing-down work, but incumbents Samaje Perine and Rob Kelley likely won't prevent Guice from seizing the bulk of the carries and thus emerging as one of fantasy's top rookies.

Sony Michel, Patriots
5-11, 215, Georgia – 1st (31st)

Making sense of the Patriots' backfield has long been a headache for fantasy owners. The issue lies in the unit's personnel tending to have hyper-specific functions, be it as a downhill runner, goal-line option or pass-catcher. What happens when the team finds a back that can do all those things? Enter Michel, a playmaker with a complete skill set that includes a level of pass-protection ability rare for a rookie. He might not be a workhorse in the usual sense, but he could be the closest thing the Patriots have had to one in some time.

Nick Chubb, Browns
5-11, 227, Georgia – 2nd (35th)

The fourth running back off the draft board, Chubb was dinged in part over concern about his injury history. While he lacks explosiveness, he has uncommon lower-body power, which could at least give him goal-line opportunities. With limited receiving skills in a crowded backfield, Chubb likely will be held to early down carries. He has to beat out Carlos Hyde for snaps, but that seems reasonable.

Royce Freeman, Broncos
6-0, 229, Oregon – 3rd (71st)

The Pac-12's all-time leader in rushing yards and touchdowns looks like a steal for the Broncos. Known mostly for his power, Freeman has good long speed for his size, and his agility scores are excellent compared to any back. With C.J. Anderson gone, Devontae Booker is Freeman's biggest hurdle to the starting job. But considering Booker's struggles through the first two years of his career, Freeman has decent odds of earning the Week 1 nod.

Kerryon Johnson, Lions
5-11, 213, Auburn – 2nd (43rd)

The Lions traded up to draft Johnson, the 2017 SEC Offensive Player of the Year. But they also signed LeGarrette Blount for short-yardage work, and Theo Riddick returns to handle passing downs. There should still be enough touches for Johnson, who might not be exceptional in any one area but is adept at every running back task. His versatility will earn him a role that should generate decent opportunities, though his thin frame makes durability a concern.

Nyheim Hines, Colts
5-9, 198, N.C. State – 4th (104th)

The fastest running back in the draft could make an impact this season if new Colts coach Frank Reich finds ways to mix him effectively with likely starter Marlon Mack. In addition to his 4.38 speed, Hines has good lower-body strength and is an experienced route-runner, having played out of the slot at times in college. His small frame likely precludes workhorse touches, but he could become the passing-down back, which would give him PPR value, if Andrew Luck comes back healthy.

Ito Smith, Falcons
5-9, 195, Southern Miss – 4th (126th)

A three-time 1,000-yard rusher in college with 42 career rushing touchdowns and 140 receptions, Smith was one of the more productive backs in this draft class. He's a smidge undersized, but the Falcons turned similarly sized Devonta Freeman into a bankable asset. Smith adds depth behind Freeman and Tevin Coleman, and it will be tough for him to see consistent snaps. But he's still worth a stash in deep and best-ball formats in the event a steady pass-catching role opens.

Kalen Ballage, Dolphins
6-3, 228, Arizona State – 4th (131st)

Ballage is an athletic marvel who never put it all together in college unless you count the time two years ago he scored eight touchdowns against Texas Tech. Nevertheless, he is excellent in space and has good hands, and even though he heads to camp third on the depth chart, he could get opportunities this season, considering Kenyan Drake's injury history and Frank Gore's age.

Bo Scarbrough, Cowboys
6-2, 228, Alabama – 7th (236th)

Injuries and a deep running back committee prevented Scarbrough from reaching his ceiling in college, but he could at least share the job backing up Ezekiel Elliott. Alfred Morris and Rod Smith backed up Elliott last season. Neither was particularly impressive during Elliott's six-game suspension, and now Morris is gone and Smith is in the last year of a two-year deal. Like Smith, Scarbrough is big back who can move the pile, but he is much faster and quicker. If Elliott misses time, Scarbrough should get in on the action.

Mark Walton, Bengals
5-10, 202, Miami – 4th (112th)

An ankle injury ended his final collegiate season and then he performed poorly at the combine, but Walton could make a mark as a high-effort, change-of-pace runner. The rub is veteran Giovani Bernard is still on the roster and slated to earn third-down work behind starter Joe Mixon, who himself should see an expanded role with Jeremy Hill gone. But Walton has good receiving and blocking skills, which could get him on the field at some point.

WIDE RECEIVER

D.J. Moore, Panthers
6-0, 210, Maryland – 1st (24th)

Despite dreadful quarterbacks, Moore accounted for 53.8 percent of Maryland's receiving yards and eight of 15 TD catches last year, and after an impressive performance at the combine, he was the first receiver off the draft board. Greg Olsen, Christian McCaffrey and Devin Funchess are the primary targets, but there should be enough left for Moore, who could work his way into the No. 2 WR role. The versatile Moore can play in the slot or on the outside, and his after-the-catch ability is the best in this year's rookie class.

Calvin Ridley, Falcons
6-1, 190, Alabama – 1st (26th)

Ridley might be maxed out in terms of athleticism as a 23-year-old, but his developed skill set should allow him to contribute immediately. He's a smooth route runner with a knack for leveraging coverage to maximize separation and YAC potential. Plus, he has 4.43 speed. After Julio Jones, there's only possession receiver Mohamed Sanu, allowing Ridley a chance to rise to the No. 2 role.

Anthony Miller, Bears
5-11, 190, Memphis – 2nd (51st)

After an FBS-leading 18 touchdown receptions last season, Miller landed in a nearly ideal spot as he should win a starting role in an up-tempo offense under new coach Matt Nagy. Top option Allen Robinson is coming off a torn ACL and behind him is seemingly little competition for targets. Miller may not have standout size, but he has sure hands, runs excellent routes and is dangerous after the catch, giving him plenty of upside.

Christian Kirk, Cardinals
5-11, 200, Texas A&M – 2nd (47th)

Kirk has a path to immediate playing time, as the only wide receiver of note behind Larry Fitzgerald on the depth chart is J.J. Nelson, who is little more than an occasional field-stretcher. Kirk's optimal role is the slot, which Fitzgerald has played in recent years, but Kirk can play outside, too. Dangerous in space, Kirk's short-area quickness allows him to gain separation off the line and also makes him a menace in the return game. In what should be a decent passing attack with Sam Bradford at quarterback, Kirk could make an impact.

Michael Gallup Cowboys
6-1, 205, Colorado State – 3rd (81st)

Considered one of the more NFL-ready wide receivers in the draft, Gallup has a good blend of size and speed. He ran a 4.51 40 at the combine and posted a 36-inch vertical leap. He could get the opportunity to contribute early as the Cowboys said goodbye to Jason Witten and Dez Bryant this offseason. Allen Hurns is the No. 1 option, but there is little after that to keep Gallup off the field.

James Washington Steelers
5-11, 213, Oklahoma State – 2nd (60th)

Perhaps the best deep-ball receiver in the draft, Washington is an interesting fit in Pittsburgh. Martavis Bryant's departure creates a need for a deep threat to complement Antonio Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster. Of course, Brown and Le'Veon Bell could eat up close to 50 percent of the team's targets, and Smith-Schuster's role figures to expand, too. Still, Washington's big-play ability could make him a usable fantasy option, especially in best-ball leagues.

Courtland Sutton Broncos
6-3, 218, SMU – 2nd (40th)

Sutton was the best "big" receiver in the draft after a dominant career at SMU, and his impressive combine solidified his draft stock. With a massive catch radius and adequate speed for his size, the question with Sutton isn't talent but rather his short-term path to targets. He should have a chance to start in a year or two, but as long as Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders are in town, the opportunities for Sutton likely will be limited.

D.J. Chark Jaguars
6-4, 198, LSU – 2nd (61st)

While the draft lacked an elite wide receiver at the top of the board, Chark might prove the closest thing to it given his blend of size and explosive athleticism (he ran a 4.34 40). However, a lack of college production made some question whether Chark is more workout warrior than NFL wideout. He enters a crowded receiver group in the league's most run-heavy offense, which hurts his Year 1 outlook even if his long-term upside is appealing.

Jordan Lasley Ravens
6-1, 205, UCLA – 5th (162nd)

Although off-field concerns and inconsistent hands dropped Lasley in the draft, he has enough talent to make an impact. Despite a pedestrian 4.50 40, Lasley averaged 18.3 yards per reception last season and is dynamic after the catch. He has his work cut out for him among a crowded wideout depth chart, but all of his competitors are flawed, from age to injury to skills, and whoever ends up as the No. 4 receiver could get targets.

Dante Pettis 49ers
6-1, 195, Washington – 2nd (44th)

The 49ers traded up to select Pettis, who has good hands and speed and, according to coach Kyle Shanahan, can play all of the receiver positions. But as the fourth wideout on the depth chart entering training camp, Pettis' rookie-year impact likely will be limited to the return game (he set an NCAA record for punt return TDs). His slight frame also raises durability concerns.

Tre'Quan Smith Saints
6-2, 210, UCF – 3rd (91st)

Athletic with excellent body control, Smith is a solid fit for the New Orleans passing game. Unfortunately, the Saints have at least three veterans ahead of him on the depth chart, and Brandon Coleman's blocking ability might give him more playing time, as well. But Smith offers field-stretching ability and reliable hands that Coleman does not, and if Cameron Meredith isn't full speed following an ACL injury, the door could open for Smith. Otherwise, there seem to be too many mouths to feed for Smith to get consistent targets this season.

Daurice Fountain Colts
6-2, 210, Northern Iowa – 5th (159th)

The FCS product was a combine snub, but an MVP performance at the East-West Shrine Game improved his draft stock. With an NFL-ready frame and a 4.46 40 at his pro day, Fountain has a legitimate chance to carve out a role this season. Donte Moncrief's departure frees some targets, and it wouldn't surprise if Fountain leapfrogged Chester Rogers for a starting role by the end of training camp. Of course, Andrew Luck's return will be key, too.

Keke Coutee Texans
5-11, 180, Texas Tech – 4th (103rd)

Coutee broke out at Texas Tech last year with 93 receptions for 1,429 yards in 13 games. He will have to win battles against defensive backs with his 4.43 speed, considering his small frame and short arms likely will make it tough to get off press coverage. The Texans have Bruce Ellington, who occupies Coutee's projected slot role, plus DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller will eat up a ton of targets. Coutee looks like a situational player, at least for this year.

Antonio Callaway Browns
5-11, 200, Florida – 4th (105th)

Non-football issues knocked Callaway down the draft board, but that he went as high as he did despite being out of football for a year is proof of his raw talent. Callaway has 4.41 speed and big-play skills and might be the third-best receiver on the roster. But he is knocking off the rust and learning the pro game at the same time, which tempers his short-term outlook. He's also a character risk, especially after failing a drug test at the combine.

J'Mon Moore Packers
6-3, 205, Missouri – 4th (133rd)

A big-bodied wideout with playmaking ability, Moore is in a great situation on a Green Bay roster that's looking for an answer behind Davante Adams and Randall Cobb. The Packers selected Moore, Marquez Valdes-Scantling (5th round) and Equanimeous St. Brown (6th round) to complete with Geronimo Allison, but Moore has to overcome "focus drops" and a limited route tree. St. Brown is arguably more talented and could overtake Moore before the season starts.

DaeSean Hamilton Broncos
6-1, 203, Penn State – 4th (113th)

Outside of Calvin Ridley, there isn't a better route-runner in this year's class than Hamilton, who has the skills and strong hands to be a reliable target and chain-mover in the short and intermediate passing game. His downfield prowess shouldn't be ignored, either. Denver is a less than optimal destination from a fantasy perspective, however. In addition to Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, second-round pick Courtland Sutton presents a roadblock. If injury strikes, Hamilton could contribute.

TIGHT END

Mike Gesicki Dolphins
6-6, 249, Penn State – 2nd (42nd)

Gesicki is a tremendous athlete who tested better than his tight end peers in nearly every combine event. And he's more than just a workout warrior – he caught 105 of 151 targets his final two seasons at Penn State. The knock on him is his blocking, but his standout receiving ability should earn him a starting role in a Miami offense that bid adieu to tight end Julius Thomas and target-hog Jarvis Landry.

Hayden Hurst Ravens
6-3, 250, South Carolina – 1st (25th)

The first tight end off the board, Hurst steps into a favorable situation on a Ravens team that emphasizes the position and often deploys two-TE sets. Plus, Ben Watson's departure leaves 79 targets up for grabs. The team also drafted TE Mark Andrews (3rd round), but Hurst possesses above-average athleticism and blocking ability, which clears a path for him. His advanced age for a rookie (25) puts a damper on his dynasty value, but he could contribute right away.

Dallas Goedert Eagles
6-4, 260, South Dakota State – 2nd (49th)

The Eagles traded up one spot ahead of the TE-needy Cowboys to snag arguably the best tight end in the draft. Goedert, who led FCS tight ends in receptions and yards the last two seasons, didn't run the 40 at the combine because of a hamstring injury, but his 35-inch vertical leap is impressive for his size. Zach Ertz's presence throws some cold water on Goedert's outlook, but the No. 2 spot is available with Trey Burton gone.

Mark Andrews Ravens
6-4, 256, Oklahoma – 3rd (86th)

The second of two tight ends the Ravens selected, Andrews might be the best pass-catching TE in this year's draft. He was used mostly as big slot receiver in his college spread offense and has speed for his size with a 4.67 40. Baltimore has a TE-friendly offense and Ben Watson (79 targets) is gone, but Andrews enters training camp behind holdover Nick Boyle and fellow rookie Hayden Hurst.

Ian Thomas Panthers
6-3, 262, Indiana – 4th (101st)

Greg Olsen is still around, but that's not a bad thing for Thomas, who is a developmental piece anyway and gets to learn from one of the best. Thomas has an NFL-level frame to go with great positional athleticism. Carolina has too many mouths to feed in the passing game for Thomas to expect much in 2018, but he's an interesting dynasty target.

This article appears in the 2018 RotoWire Fantasy Football magazine. Order the magazine now.