2018 NFL Draft: Rookies Who Will Make the Pro Bowl

The 2017 NFL draft produced four players that made the Pro Bowl as rookies. Is it possible for the 2018 NFL draft to match or even surpass that?

A year ago Kareem Hunt, Alvin Kamara, Budda Baker and Marshon Lattimore enjoyed the instant success that is so difficult to pull off in the modern league. It takes talent, sure, but also absolutely ideal circumstance for them to thrive. Kamara playing in the Sean Payton offense? Kareem Hunt under Andy Reid? Those sort of situations were tailor-made for their respective abilities.

The law of averages says it’s going to happen again this year. It’s a matter of figuring out which players have that mix of talent and circumstance. Below is a list of five names who fit the criteria. There’s hardly any guarantees, but each has good reasons to be present. Of course, it must start with the man that dazzled draft experts all of last year and thrilled them again at the scouting combine.

Saquon Barkley (RB, New York Giants)

There’s a reason Dave Gettleman spent the #2 pick on him. He believes Barkley can be a star and an instant contributor. There’s no doubt the young running back has the talent. He was a phenom at Penn State, gashing defenses almost at will as both a runner and receiver. Adding to his case on this list was the additions of Nate Solder and Will Hernandez to the offensive line, which will help open lanes for him. Lastly, he has the proven Pat Shurmur running the offense with a stacked receiving corps to keep the box from being loaded.

Ronald Jones (RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

If he hadn’t suffered an injury that hampered his pre-draft workouts, it’s fair to wonder if Jones would’ve been another running back taken in the 1st round. He certainly has that talent with a solid running style, good size and natural hands as a pass catcher. He’s the critical component that Buccaneers offense has been missing. They have weapons everywhere else from Mike Evans to Desean Jackson and O.J. Howard. Put it this way. If they squeeze over 1,300 yards out of Peyton Barber, Jacquizz Rodgers and a burned out Doug Martin? Jones should do damage.

Quenton Nelson (OG, Indianapolis Colts)

Sometimes all it takes is one key addition to turn around an entire unit. Quenton Nelson could be that guy for the Colts offensive line. It’s long been felt they lack the ability to set the tone of a game and bring the physicality to opponents. Nelson is a master in those areas. A true powerhouse with all sorts of nastiness and athleticism. There are few holes in his game. Not only will he help their running game right away, Andrew Luck should be much safer inside the pocket. If the QB makes a triumphant return, Nelson will reap the rewards.

Isaiah Oliver (CB, Atlanta Falcons)

This was a case where the player had no business falling as far as he did in the draft. Isaiah Oliver is a cornerback with 1st round skills. He’s not blazing fast but is fast enough to keep up with most receivers. Combine that with his extensive length, fluidity, and size? He has the proper gifts necessary for instant success in the NFL. Now throw in the fact he’s playing under Dan Quinn and behind one of the best, young pass rushes in the league in Atlanta. Cornerbacks often dream of walking into these situations. The Falcons defense just keeps getting better.

Next: 2018 NFL Season: Ranking Likeliest Worst-to First Teams

Roquan Smith (LB, Chicago Bears)

This is a young player who should be thanking his lucky stars. Roquan Smith not only gets to join a top 10 defense in Chicago, but he gets to work under a defensive coordinator who’s a master with inside linebackers. Vic Fangio has coached the likes of Patrick Willis, NaVarro Bowman, Ray Lewis and Sam Mills among others. He knows how to help them thrive. Smith showed at Georgia that his mixture of instincts and athleticism are made for the new NFL. With Eddie Goldman and Akiem Hicks in front of him, there will be so many plays to make.