Rivals NFL Draft Board: Top 32 players

The college football season had begun and with it our first look at the 2018 draft class. We take a look at the top 32, led by the best running back in the country.

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Recruitment: Barkley committed to Rutgers as a junior and called it his dream school at the time. After a junior day visit to Penn State, where then-new coach James Franklin laid out his recruiting pitch, Barkley flipped to the Nittany Lions.

Farrell’s take: Barkley was an upright slasher who showed good receiving skills out of high school, so it's not a huge surprise he's made a big impact early his first two years. But to this level? That’s a bit of a surprise as he’s become a dominant Big Ten back and has jumped all the way to my No. 1 spot. His lower body strength and power to run through some arm tackles has improved greatly. Better than Ezekiel Elliott at the same stage? Yes.

Recruitment: In the spring before his senior season, Rosen committed to UCLA. Michigan was the main competitor. Stanford was considered a top school for Rosen but the Cardinal never offered.

Farrell’s take: In all my years of scouting, Rosen was the best high school quarterback I’ve seen on film or in person. There’s something about his attitude and cockiness that leads you to believe the game will never be too big for him and he will excel regardless of the circumstances and we saw that already against the Aggies. I’m kicking myself that he wasn’t No. 1 in the 2015 Rivals100. That’s on me. His outspoken nature could drop him on some boards, but talent-wise he’s the best NFL quarterback prospect.

Recruitment: In typical Darnold fashion, the former San Clemente, Calif., standout did not play out the recruiting process and kept everything pretty low key. He committed to USC a few weeks after getting offered following a workout in front of the coaching staff. Utah, Oregon, Duke, Northwestern and others were involved.

Farrell’s take: Darnold is obviously playing better than his four-star ranking. He slid considerably after an underwhelming performance at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, where his arm strength was questioned, but that was clearly an anomaly. While Darnold had some throwing issues mechanically, he could run and hurt you with his arm or legs. He's playing like a five-star now and could be the top pick in the NFL Draft if he comes out. The battle between Darnold and Rosen will be epic.

Recruitment: During a junior day visit to Florida State when James was just a freshman, he committed to the Seminoles. He called FSU his dream school and Karlos and Vince Williams are his cousins.

Farrell’s take: I’ve said it before and I will say it again — James is the most athletic and dynamic safety I have ever scouted. And, after an average start, he came on and became a dominant defensive back as expected. His sophomore season was a washout due to injury, but watch for him to return with a vengeance. He can blitz, he can tackle in space and support the run and he can cover a ton of ground in the passing game. And this is only the beginning as he will be an absolute star in college and beyond. If Jamal Adams went top six, James should go top four or higher.

Recruiting: In April before his senior year, Landry committed to Boston College. In October, Landry backed off that pledge and named Miami, NC State and Ohio State as his top three. Shortly after, Landry recommitted to the Eagles.

Farrell’s take: I remember watching film of defensive tackle Lamont Gaillard, who another website inexplicably ranked as a five-star, over and over again trying to see if I was missing anything (I wasn’t), and seeing this defensive end come off the edge and make play after play. That was Landry, who we made a four-star after that and who ended up ranked much higher than his hyped up teammate. Landry was undersized but he was strong, quick and had a tremendous shoulder dip. He’s turned into the elite pass rusher in college and has surpassed his rating. He’s that hybrid pass rusher the NFL loves.

Recruiting: A few weeks before National Signing Day, Wilkins committed to Clemson over Ohio State, Florida, Notre Dame, Florida State, Penn State and many others.

Farrell’s take: I remember the first time I saw Wilkins on film. It was after his freshman season and his athletic ability was off the charts. As a Connecticut prospect, he didn’t get the national attention of many until later in his career, but I knew how good he was from day one. Wilkins has already turned into one of the elite defensive tackles in the country and could emerge as one of the top five picks in the NFL Draft because he can play DT or DE.

Recruiting: Key twice de-committed from South Carolina and finally picked LSU over the Gamecocks and others in April before his senior season.

Farrell’s take: Key was a tall, skinny edge rusher who was a four-star just inside the Rivals250. His frame concerned us a bit as did as his strength in the run game, but there was never a question about his pass-rushing ability. However, I will admit that he’s been better at the other aspects of the game than I expected. He has developed into one of the elite pass rushers in college football and if his shoulder isn’t a long term concern, he will be a top 10 pick.

Recruiting: Texas did not offer until later than many other programs and Oregon was possibly the biggest competitor to the Longhorns but Williams decided to pick the home-state school in September of his senior season.

Farrell’s take: Williams was in our Rivals250 but wasn’t ranked as high as perhaps he should have been for a very good reason – he was a tight end until his senior season. A blocking tight end for sure, but he made the transition to tackle for one year of high school. The results were good enough to have him ranked so high. It’s clear the athleticism and footwork of playing his previous position as well as a long frame to fill out has helped him in college. Williams has emerged as the best offensive lineman in college football.

Recruiting: Fitzpatrick committed to Alabama in the spring before his senior season but leading up to Signing Day the rumor was he was torn between the Crimson Tide and Florida State. Shortly before Signing Day, Fitzpatrick announced he was sticking with Alabama.

Farrell’s take: I've watched Fitzpatrick since he was a freshman in high school. He has always been a five-star talent, but scouting him so much might have led to expectations that were too high. It's why we moved him from cornerback to safety in the end because he struggled in solo coverage against elite wide receivers. So much for that, huh? Fitzpatrick's instant impact as a freshman on the Alabama defense was amazing and he took it to the next level last season. The NFL will love his ability to play corner, safety and come off the edge as a blitzer.

Recruiting: Guice committed to LSU in the spring before his senior season. Alabama, Texas and others were involved but it was no surprise when he picked the Tigers.

Farrell’s take: I loved Guice out of high school because he was mean and nasty. He was the kind of kid, similar to Eddie Lacy, who hated to be tackled and would fight hard for extra yardage and wear down defenses. He also had very good speed and vision and light feet, but it was his desire when running, something clear on tape and in person, that pushed him to five stars. We were the only major recruiting service to have him as a five-star, and he’s making us look smart. Better than Leonard Fournette? It’s close.

Recruiting: While on his official visit to Louisville in December, Alexander flipped his commitment from South Carolina to the Cardinals.

Farrell’s take: A skinny cornerback out of a newer school in North Carolina, Alexander was a mid-three-star recruit who started to emerge a bit at the end of the rankings cycle. In high school, he never showed the ability to dominate as he has done after two full seasons of college football. Alexander had ball skills and ability in coverage, but the way he physically manhandles players in coverage, off the line and in run support is as impressive as any cornerback in the country. This kid is going to be a star and the NFL is drooling.

Recruiting: In the summer before his senior season, Rudolph committed to Oklahoma State over LSU, Virginia Tech and many others.

Farrell’s take: Rudolph, a four-star coming out of high school, was a huge kid with a live arm who showed excellent accuracy for a signal-caller who could be tempted to just fire the ball on every throw. He chose the right offense because he’s a quick decision-maker who is made for a spread, throwing offense where he can put up huge numbers. His size and arm strength as well as quick decision-making could make him a top 10 pick.

Recruiting: During a ceremony at his high school in November of his senior season, McFadden first grabbed a Florida State hat, only to put it down and pick up a Georgia hat. But then McFadden put that hat down and put on another Florida State hat to signify his commitment.

Farrell’s take: A controversial five-star on Rivals as many questioned our ranking. McFadden was a tall kid who could have projected at safety as well. While he did get beat at times deep, he had the length, speed and hips to be special. After a slow start to last season, he came on and started to be more consistent in coverage. Almost everyone had him as a five-star at the end of the 2015 recruiting cycle, but we had him ranked higher at cornerback than anyone else and he’s proving us right. His size will have the NFL infatuated.

Recruiting: Ridley, from South Florida, committed to Alabama in the spring before his senior season. Florida State received a visit and other schools were involved but he stuck with the Crimson Tide.

Farrell’s take: Ridley set freshman records at Alabama as a receiver, the same place where Julio Jones and Amari Cooper dominated, so that's heady stuff. Ridley was always an elite prospect in high school and a no-brainer five-star for us from the start, and other websites followed suit. He was an accomplished route runner, had solid size and amazing hands and just needed to fill out and find his way into the Alabama offense. Now he should have a great third and final season and head off as a first-rounder like his predecessors.

Recruiting: McGlinchey committed to Notre Dame in the spring before his junior season and although he had connections to BC, and many other schools were coming hard after him, he stuck with the Irish.

Farrell’s take: This is where I am stupid. I had a feeling about McGlinchey even though he was tall and a tad awkward out of high school. His footwork, length and willingness to be physical made me think this could be a five-star and future first-rounder but I went conservative and now I am paying for it. I love this kid’s game and the NFL will covet him after a weak tackle draft in 2017.

Recruiting: Originally, Hubbard committed to Notre Dame to play lacrosse. But then Ohio State coach Urban Meyer showed up at one of Hubbard’s gym classes, a relationship started and by the spring of his junior year, Hubbard had committed to the Buckeyes.

Farrell’s take: Hubbard was an interesting prospect out of high school, a massive kid who went from playing safety to linebacker and projected to defensive end. His athleticism in space was impressive as was his ability to drop in coverage, but there were too many variables to have him ranked any higher than a high three-star. His motor will wow scouts.

Recruiting: Sutton committed to SMU shortly before Signing Day but had Colorado high on his list until the Buffaloes decided to pull the scholarship during his visit. Schools were mixed on which position he would play in high school as some liked him at safety or even outside linebacker.

Farrell’s take: We had Sutton projected as a defensive back with his tall frame and good range. He also played some linebacker as well, but he has developed into a very good wide receiver at the next level. He was a big-play threat at wide receiver in high school, although not nearly as polished as he is now. Most wanted him as a defensive back, but his ball skills have transitioned well and his size, speed and hands make him one to watch in the first round of the NFL Draft.

Recruiting: In the middle of his senior season, Baker flipped his commitment from Florida to Ohio State.

Farrell’s take: Baker wasn’t that tall or long but he was sudden, explosive and arrived at the ball with a thump. His instincts were off the charts and he played bigger than his size and continues to do so. The NFL will love his tape this year as he continues to improve and his tackling is efficient.

Recruiting: On Signing Day, Marshall committed to USC over Florida State, LSU, Michigan, UCLA and others. The Trojans were long considered his favorite.

Farrell’s take: As with any position, you can get a feeling about a player and I had that feeling about Marshall. What was that feeling? It's that I was seeing something special and looking at a kid who could be an NFL star someday. With Marshall, he had the size, hips, strength and quickness, but it was more about his instincts and ability to see the field than anything else. Even as the No. 1 corner in the country, he never avoided competition and always wanted to prove his worth. The NFL will like his size.

Recruiting: In the summer before his senior season, Freeman committed to Oregon over Alabama, USC, Florida and many others.

Farrell’s take: We knew Freeman was good as a top 60 prospect with great size, but we didn't know he'd fit so well into the speedy offense of Oregon, where smaller, slashing backs tend to get the attention. He has increased his quickness in college and he's tough to bring down like he was out of high school. Last year was a down year for the entire team, but I expect Freeman to bounce back and show the skills that push him to a first round grade as running backs become more of a premium in round one.

Recruiting: In December of his senior season, Sweat committed to Florida State over Virginia Tech with Oregon and Ohio State also considered.

Farrell’s take: Sweat's recovery from what some saw as a career-threating injury during his senior year is nothing short of astonishing. At the very least, I figured it would hamper the start of his career, but it simply hasn't. He's an athletic freak, super long and very explosive and all of that has returned to form after hard work in rehabbing his knee. He's now scratching the surface of his potential and seems to get better each game, so it's scary to think how he'll be this season and how he could test at the combine.

Recruiting: In the summer before his senior season, Ferrell turned down Virginia Tech, South Carolina, LSU and others and made his commitment to Clemson.

Farrell’s take: Many feel that this is Ferrell’s breakout season at Clemson, and it’s hard to doubt based on his physical ability and the amazing coaching Clemson's defensive players get. I always liked his athletic upside, although he was a bit stiff at times, but I questioned his aggressiveness, so it will be interesting to see how he adjusts to such a key role this season. His ceiling is very high for the NFL.

Recruiting: Kirk committed to Texas A&M over Arizona State, UCLA and others in December of his senior season. Arizona’s top prospect in the previous recruiting cycle, five-star QB Kyle Allen, also committed to the Aggies but he has transferred to Houston.

Farrell’s take: Kirk’s size was always the only question mark, but we pushed beyond that and made him the rare 5-foot-10 five-star wide receiver and he’s living up to that billing. We expected him to hit the ground running with his route-running and ability to separate, but he’s ahead of schedule already with two great seasons. Size will be a question mark for NFL scouts, but his film backs up his play.

Recruiting: In the spring before his senior season, Nelson committed to Notre Dame over Ohio State, Penn State, Rutgers and many others.

Farrell’s take: I really liked Nelson on film, but when I first saw him in person at our New Jersey RCS Camp, I remember being wowed and felt he was a five-star prospect. He was huge, had good feet and he was a physical kid. It’s not shocking to see him working inside, but he could play tackle as well if needed and play either guard or tackle in the NFL.

Recruiting: Vea, who had 296 tackles and 19 sacks during his time at Milpitas, Calif., committed to Washington over Cal, Oregon State, San Diego State, San Jose State, Tennessee and Utah.

Farrell’s take: Vea was ranked as a big defensive end for us out of high school but played on the nose his senior year and was very active. He started off as a four-star pass rusher for us but dropped to three stars as he got bigger but lost some quickness. He was a tough evaluation because he hadn’t played a ton of football and was very effective when he played, but he was a ‘tweener for us and it was hard to figure out what scheme he would fit into. He’s found his home as a defensive tackle and the NFL covets big men in the middle who can move.

Recruiting: Lightly recruited out of high school, Washington picked Oklahoma State in the summer before his senior season. His only other reported offer was from Texas State.

Farrell’s take: Washington was a very fast, straight-line receiver from a small school who can be billed as a “diamond in the rough” recruiting find for Oklahoma State. We liked his speed enough to make him a low three-star, but he has turned into something fun to watch at the next level. Not only is he fast but he’s elusive and sneaky strong and could be an elite NFL slot.

Recruiting: Gesicki committed to Penn State over Ohio State, Duke and many others midway through his senior season.

Farrell’s take: We liked Gesicki, especially his athleticism, out of high school enough to make him a four-star, but we had questions about how physical he was willing to be and how he would fare as a blocker. We underestimated his athleticism and he’s obviously done well in other aspects of the game as well. He started off in our database as a wide receiver and he played a lot from the flex position and even outside. The NFL loves tight ends that can stretch the field.

Recruiting: During a ceremony at his high school, Jefferson committed to Texas along with teammate DeAndre McNeal. Texas A&M and UCLA were Jefferson’s other finalists.

Farrell’s take: Jefferson was a fun kid to cover, a driven player who made sacrifices like pushing through family hardship to play in the Under Armour All-America Game when he could have easily gone the local U.S. Army All-American Bowl route. Jefferson was a five-star and he has certainly delivered for Texas. His early impact was a surprise, but the fact that he’s become a defensive leader after two seasons is not surprising at all. He has some work to do on angles and proper tackling form to stay this high in NFL projections, but it’s a long season.

Recruiting: Hyatt committed to Clemson on National Signing Day of his junior year, a whole 365 days before he could sign with the Tigers. His uncle played at Clemson and it was his longtime leader.

Farrell’s take: Hyatt was a long-time five-star but was downgraded at the end of the process because of concerns regarding his ability to fill out his frame and add strength in his lower body. Oops. I’ll take the blame for that one. His technique and footwork helped him overcome a frame that is still filling out. Hyatt seemed to get stronger game by game each year so it’s exciting to see how good he can be and the NFL will love his technique.

Recruiting: Payne committed to Alabama over Auburn and Mississippi State at the Under Armour All-America Game. He grew up an Auburn fan but had developed a great relationship with then-Alabama assistant Mario Cristobal.

Farrell’s take: Payne was an absolute monster, built like a block and able to hold up blockers at the point of attack and push the pocket. At times on the camp circuit he would show his pass rushing moves, especially a nice inside rip, but other times he was stoned despite his size, which was puzzling. However, with the ability to bull rush and be more physical in pads, he was unstoppable and showed off light feet and the ability to shoot the gap. He was obviously a special prospect based on his ranking and has lived up to the billing.

Recruiting: After a junior day visit to College Station, Watts committed to Texas A&M over Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Clemson, Michigan and many others.

Farrell’s take: Watts was an undersized safety prospect who was in the Rivals250 because he was simply fearless in the run game and was solid in coverage and had excellent hips. This could be a bit of a reach this early to many because of his lack of size, but he’s a tackling machine who is always around the ball and is very active. Some bigger safeties will be on other lists and his size could knock him down in the minds of scouts, but there’s something about this kid I really like.

Recruiting: Out of junior college, Rankin signed with Mississippi State over Oklahoma, Florida, Ole Miss, Kentucky and others.

Farrell’s take: A JUCO 4-star prospect with the ability to play tackle or guard, we loved his athleticism and felt he could contribute right away. He’s become a dominant tackle prospect but the NFL will love his ability to play any position along the line.