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5 Prospects Not Named Josh Allen Who Could Be the Top Pick in the 2018 NFL Draft

By Shawn Spencer

September 10, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) throws a pass against the UNLV Rebels during the first half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
September 10, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) throws a pass against the UNLV Rebels during the first half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Saquon Barkley 2018 NFL Draft
Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) scores on a 24-yard touchdown run in the second quarter during the 103rd Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl. USC defeated Penn State 52-49 in the highest scoring game in Rose Bowl history. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Saquon Barkley (RB – Penn State)

This is the least likely to come to fruition, but there’s still a possibility that Saquon Barkley becomes the first running back to be selected first overall since another Nittany Lion, Ki-Jana Carter, was the top pick in 1995. Wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson went first the following year, but over the past 21 drafts the top pick has either been a quarterback, offensive tackle or defensive end.

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Next year’s running back class has the potential to be one of the best in a very long time. Along with Barkley, Derrius Guice (LSU), Bo Scarbrough (Alabama), Ronald Jones II (USC), L.J. Scott (Michigan State), Royce Freeman (Oregon), Nick Chubb and Sony Michel (both from Georgia) are all at this very early point of the process, projected early-round picks. That’s one factor going against a running back being the first-overall pick as future starters are likely to be available in the later rounds.

What does work in Barkley’s favor is the success of previous top picks at the position. After no running backs were selected in the first round back in 2014, Todd Gurley and Ezekiel Elliott went in the top 10 the next two years. Both ran for over 1,100 yards as rookies and made an immediate impact on their NFL clubs. Leonard Fournette will look to do the same in Jacksonville this coming season.

Elliott and Fournette were both selected fourth overall and it’s only a matter of time before a running back returns to the top of the draft board. That time may come sooner rather than later, especially with a three-down back such as Saquon Barkley available in 2018.

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