Big Board: QBs show rust Week 1

Sep 7, 2017 - 11:16 PM It was a mixed bag for the top quarterback prospects in the first full week of college football with Southern Cal's Sam Darnold and Wyoming's Josh Allen -- trendy No. 1 overall candidates in early 2018 mock drafts -- struggling while UCLA's Josh Rosen and Louisville's Lamar Jackson starred.

Despite their offseason hype, the disappointing starts for Darnold and Allen (who combined for zero touchdowns and four interceptions thrown) were not entirely surprising.

While USC was clearly more talented than Week One opponent Western Michigan, the Trojans were fielding almost an entirely different offensive line and receiving corps than the one Darnold starred with a year ago. Allen, meanwhile, delivered early strikes at Iowa but melted down in the second half as the Hawkeyes dominated the line of scrimmage and had him running for his life.

Defenders Minkah Fitzpatrick and Da'Ron Payne of Alabama, as well as Vita Vea (Washington) and Denzel Ward (Ohio State) played especially well in their team's 2017 debuts, but it will be clear by the spring that the top talent in this draft plays quarterback.



Updated weekly in preparation for the 2018 NFL Draft, these are the top 32 NFL prospects (potentially eligible) in college football.





1. Sam Darnold, QB, Southern Cal, 6-3, 225, 4.74, Redshirt Sophomore

Throwing two interceptions in a home opener against a big underdog certainly is not what scouts were hoping to see from a potential No. 1 pick. However, Darnold actually played well against Western Michigan, completing 23 of 33 passes for 289 yards while the Trojans focused on the running game, rushing for 232 yards and six scores against the Broncos, including one 11-yard scamper from Darnold. Boasting a prototypical combination of size, arm talent and intangibles, Darnold is the cleanest quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck.



2. Derwin James, SS, Florida State, 6-2, 211, 4.52, rSoph

A moveable chess piece capable of playing defensive back, linebacker or dabbling as an edge rusher, James stood out as a true freshman on a defense loaded with NFL stars in 2015, recording 91 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks to go along with five pass breakups, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. James recorded six tackles (including a tackle for loss) in a season opening loss to Alabama after missing all but the first two games a year ago following surgery to repair a torn meniscus. When healthy, James is a proven difference-maker with the versatility and explosiveness scouts crave.



3. Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State, 5-11, 223, 4.49, Jr

Given the number of quality running backs drafted into the NFL a year ago, it may surprise some that the most gifted runner in the country -- Barkley -- returned to the college game this fall. Bigger than either Christian McCaffrey or Dalvin Cook, more dynamic in the open field than Leonard Fournette and without the off-field concerns which dogged Joe Mixon, Barkley is a rare bell-cow running back worthy of top five consideration. Barkley had a field day in Week One against Akron, rushing for 172 yards and two scores on just 14 carries with 54 more yards gained on three receptions.



4. Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA, 6-3, 220, 4.97, Junior

Past injuries and an outspoken personality may scare off some but no one in this class spins the ball better than Rosen, a trio of reasons why the junior reminds me a bit of a young Jay Cutler. Remember, it was he, not Darnold or Allen or Heisman winner Lamar Jackson, that had scouts most excited at this time a year ago and that same form was shown in a thrilling 45-44 comeback win over Texas A&M in which he threw for an eye-popping 491 yards and four touchdowns without an interception. It is worth mentioning that Rosen, the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week, was fortunate in this contest, with two wild tosses (including one that literally went through the hands of an Aggie defender) resulting in touchdowns in the win.



5. Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming, 6-4, 233, 4.76, Redshirt Junior

With all due respect to the "other" quarterbacks in this class, in terms of raw traits, Allen is at another level than his peers. He is bigger, has a stronger arm and is more athletic and aggressive with the ball in his hands as any passer not named Lamar Jackson. That said, for all of his exciting tools, Allen comes with obvious level of competition questions and is also the more sporadic passer of the top quarterbacks, struggling especially with passes that require putting some touch on the ball. This is where he struggled against Iowa in the opener, especially as an overmatched offensive line melted down in the second half.



6. Arden Key, DE, LSU, 6-5, 238, 4.74, Jr

Key, who missed LSU's opener against BYU while recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, is not yet as polished as some of the other top edge rushers in this class but he offers an ideal combination of length and speed off the corner and is stronger at the point of attack than he appears. A big play specialist still growing into his frame, with some refined technique Key could be even more effective in the pass-happy NFL than in the SEC; a scary thought considering that he recorded 14.5 tackles for loss, including 12 sacks a year ago.



7. Minkah Fitzpatrick, FS/CB, Alabama, 6-0, 201, 4.52, Jr

Looking for the next top 10 NFL draft pick for Alabama? Focus on Fitzpatrick, who while bouncing back and forth between starting at cornerback and safety over the past two seasons for the Tide has already set the school record with four touchdowns scored off of interceptions. Fitzpatrick is athletic enough to handle corner duties in the NFL but his build, instincts and physical, reliable tackling project even better to safety.



8. Vita Vea, DT, Washington, 6-4, 344, 5.34, rJr

In terms of raw ability, Vea competes with only Houston true sophomore Ed Oliver as the most exciting defensive line prospect in the country. As his size suggests, Vea can dominate as a run-stuffer. He is also incredibly athletic for a man of his size, surprising opponents with his initial burst and speed in pursuit.



9. Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M, 5-11, 200, 4.39, Jr

With three receivers earning top 10 picks a year ago, the NFL's thirst for playmakers has never been more obvious and Kirk is this year's most dynamic pass-catcher. Kirk possesses the squatty frame of a running back, using terrific lateral agility, balance and pure speed to be a threat to score any time he touches the ball as a receiver or returner, which is the all the more reason why it was odd that he had just seven combined touches (including five catches for 60 yards) for a total of 58 yards of total offense against the Bruins.



10. Derrius Guice, RB, LSU, 5-11, 212, 4.52, Jr

Guice is not the freakish combination of size and speed Leonard Fournette is, but Guice could prove an even more effective all-around back, a theory supported by the fact that he led the SEC with 1,387 rushing yards (averaging 7.6 yards per carry!) and 15 touchdowns despite splitting carries. Guice has a squatty, powerful frame as well as excellent balance and a determined running style, which help him consistently bounce off would-be tacklers, as he did for 122 yards and two scores in early Week One duty against an overmatched BYU defense.



11. Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson, 6-3, 310, 5.04, Jr

From his off-beat personality to his versatility along the defensive line, Wilkins is one of the more intriguing prospects in this class. He earned All-American honors at defensive tackle as a true freshman, recording an eye-popping 84 tackles before moving out to defensive end last season and boosting his big plays, registering 13 tackles for loss (among 56 total stops) and setting a new school record among defensive linemen with 10 passes broken up. Wilkins projects best inside as a penetrating three-technique at the next level.



12. Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama, 6-1, 190, 4.50, Jr

Expectations were huge for Ridley last season after breaking Julio Jones' school record for most receptions and receiving yards as a true freshman (89 for 1,045). A stacked roster and the development of young Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts resulted in less production (72 for 769 yards) for Ridley last season but his polished routes, deceptive speed and strong hands remain just as impressive on tape and he starred against Florida State, leading all participants with 82 receiving yards and a touchdown. A late enrollee at Alabama, Ridley is a bit older than most of the top prospects, turning 23 in December.



13. Connor Williams, OT, Texas, 6-5, 320, 5.31, Jr

The Longhorns have not produced a single first round pick on offense since Vince Young was selected No. 3 overall by Tennessee back in 2006 but Williams is a strong bet to end that dubious streak. Williams is a bit of a throwback, showing the power and aggression as a run blocker that scouts covet with the athleticism, balance and girth to stone pass rushers, as well. Williams and the Longhorns did not fare as well as hoped in the 2017 opener with the All-Big 12 candidate allowing pressure and Texas ultimately losing 51-41 to Maryland.



14. DaRon Payne, DT, Alabama, 6-2, 308, 5.38, Jr

Payne may lack the imposing size and burst of some of the other top defensive linemen but his pure strength (including a 545 pound bench press) and motor stand out, even amongst the NFL junior varsity team that is the Alabama Crimson Tide. As his statistics last season (36 tackles, including 3.5 for loss and 1.5 sacks) suggest, however, Payne's value lies with his ability to be a two-gap run stuffer not a consistent pass rush threat.



15. Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma, 6-7, 358, 5.47, rJr

The prodigal son of the late Orlando "Zeus" Brown (a 13-year veteran who played with the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens), the Sooners' behemoth blocker's sheer size and strength make referring to him as "junior" almost laughable. While lacking the nimble feet to likely remain at left tackle in the NFL (where he's started the past two years for the Sooners), Brown's rare arm length, powerful base and surprising balance make him a quality pass protector and not just the bulldozer in the running game that his bulk suggests.



16. Harold Landry, OLB, Boston College, 6-2, 250, 4.76, Sr

Landry led the country with 16.5 sacks a season ago, surprising many with his decision to return for his senior campaign. Landry lacks elite length but he possesses terrific burst and bend off the edge, showing the balance, core strength and athleticism to handle either stand-up or hand-down rush duties in the NFL. Landry recorded six tackles and a tipped pass in a season-opening win over Northern Illinois.



17. Billy Price, OG, Ohio State, 6-3, 312, 5.19, rSr

A three-year starter and reigning All-American guard, Price is about as safe as it gets in preseason NFL draft prognostication. He could have made the NFL jump a year ago and been one of the first interior offensive linemen selected but should only improve his stock by returning and proving his versatility, making the switch to center this season. Built like a cinder block (and just as tough), Price's initial quickness and power play a key role in the Buckeyes' offensive attack.



18. Bradley Chubb, DE, North Carolina State, 6-3, 275, 4.84, Sr

Ranked 11 spots higher than his cousin, Nick (the star running back at Georgia), Chubb deserves family bragging rights after a breakout 2016 campaign in which he recorded career-highs in tackles (58), tackles for loss (22) and sacks (10.5). Named a captain as a true junior after the former linebacker gained 25 pounds of muscle in the off-season, Chubb has the work ethic to go along with his strength and tenacity. Don't blame him for NC State's season-opening loss to South Carolina; Chubb recorded five tackles, including two for loss and a pass breakup.



19. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville, 6-2, 200, 4.42, Jr

Jackson quite literally ran away from the competition for the Heisman Trophy a season ago, showing off the raw speed and playmaking ability that has earned him plenty of comparisons to 2001 No. 1 overall selection Michael Vick. Like Vick at Virginia Tech, Jackson -- the youngest Heisman Trophy winner in history -- remains a work in progress as a passer, needing to show greater recognition and precision in the pocket for most NFL offenses. He was every bit as dynamic against Purdue in the 2017 season opener as last year, generating 485 combined passing (378) and rushing (107) yards, including two touchdown tosses.



20. Tarvarus McFadden, CB, Florida State, 6-1, 198, 4.49, Jr

After losing Jalen Ramsey early to the NFL and Derwin James (my top-rated defender in 2017) to injury, any question about the depth and talent in the Seminoles' secondary was emphatically answered by McFadden last year, who simply tied for the national lead with eight interceptions in his first starting season. McFadden offers an exciting upside with the quick feet, instincts and soft hands scouts covet, though his focus as a tackler and in coverage can wane.





21. Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State, 6-4, 265, 4.76, rJr

Powerful, fundamentally sound and tenacious against the run and pass, alike, Hubbard is one of the better all-around defensive ends in the country and comes with relatively high floor. That said, Hubbard does not possess the quick-twitch explosiveness to consistently threaten the edge, recording just 3.5 sacks a season ago.



22. Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan, 6-2, 282, 4.93, rSr

With today's focus on the quick passing game in the NFL, "undersized" defensive tackles who can collapse the pocket from the interior are much more valuable than in previous years. Hurst, the son of the former New England Patriots cornerback of the same name, saw his tackles for loss jump from 6.5 in 2015 to 11.5 last season. If his 2017 debut against Florida (five tackles, including one for loss) is any indication, Hurst may be in for another big jump this season.



23. DaShawn Hand, DE, Alabama, 6-3, 282, 4.87, Senior

With just six combined sacks over his first three seasons at Alabama, Hand has been unable to live up to the lofty expectations of recruiting experts, many of whom tabbed him as the No. 1 prep edge rusher in 2013. Hand looks the part of an NFL player with a powerful, well-proportioned physique, long arms and impressive timed speed for his size. Unfortunately, while fast in pursuit downfield or on the track, Hand shows below average initial quickness off the ball, thus far limiting his effectiveness as a rusher.



24. Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame, 6-7, 312, 5.27, rSr

With a full season of starts at both left tackle (2016) and right tackle (2015) already under his belt in Notre Dame's pro-style attack, McGlinchey enters his final season of college football as one of the more established blockers in the country. He is not in the same class of athlete as his former teammate and 2016 first round pick, Ronnie Stanley (Baltimore Ravens), but NFL offensive line coaches will appreciate his experience, versatility and technique.



25. Courtland Sutton, WR, Southern Methodist, 6-3, 218, 4.58, rJr

The Mustangs have not churned out a top 50 NFL selection since 1986 but clubs on the lookout for a prototype split end will certainly be intrigued by Sutton, a physically imposing receiver with the height, strength and aggression to beat NFL defensive backs for contested passes. Sutton has averaged nearly 17 yards per reception since 2015 with 20 combined touchdowns grabs over that time, including one in a 58-14 season-opening demolishing of Stephen F. Austin.



26. Mitch Hyatt, OT, Clemson, 6-5, 295, 5.08, Jr

Skill position superstars earned most of the hype on the Clemson offense a year ago but Hyatt played a key cog in the Tigers' national championship run. Hyatt is well suited to Clemson's spread offense, showing light feet and good balance for a nearly 300 pound offensive lineman. To boost his NFL stock, he'll need to continue to get stronger at the point of attack.



27. Ronnie Harrison, SS, Alabama, 6-2, 214, 4.57, Jr

A major question mark heading into his first season as a starting safety, Harrison emerged as a legitimate star by year's end, finishing second only to Butkus Award winning linebacker Reuben Foster for the team lead in tackles (86) and proving to be a big play magnet. When under control, Harrison can also be a weapon as a hitter, specializing in cleaning up the play with a stiff shoulder to stop a ball-carrier in his tracks, though risky pursuit angles and grabby hands in coverage must be improved in 2017.



28. Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia, 5-10, 228, 4.54, Sr

Chubb surprised many with the decision to return to Georgia for the 2017 season after proving the health of his surgically-repaired knee with 1,130 rushing yards, including eight touchdowns. As his squatty frame suggests, Chubb is powerful. He also shows excellent vision, balance and lateral cuts to elude defenders, scoring two touchdowns and rushing for 96 yards (on 15 carries) in a season-opening win against Appalachian State. With 577 career touches already, however, there will be questions as to how much punishment his body has absorbed at the college level.



29. Malik Jefferson, OLB, Texas, 6-2, 240, 4.66, Jr

A Texas native, Jefferson signed with the Longhorns amid great fanfare and seemed to justify it in his first season, earning Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year honors with 61 tackles, seven tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks at outside linebacker. Jefferson posted slightly better numbers last year (62-8.5-5.5) after being moved inside but looked out of position, rarely playing with the fast-flowing reckless abandon that characterized his freshman season. Placed back outside by new Texas head coach Tom Herman in a more aggressive scheme, Jefferson started the 2017 season on a relative high note, registering a team-high nine tackles (five solos) in a 51-41 loss to Maryland.



30. Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State, 5-10, 191, 4.43, Jr

Ward served as the nickel corner alongside 2017 first round picks Marshon Lattimore and Gareon Conley last season, tying with Lattimore for the team lead with nine passes broken up. It won't be difficult for him to beat that mark as Ward registered a FBS-leading six pass breakups in a Week One win over Indiana, alone. Ward may lack the starting experience and length scouts would prefer but he is a superb athlete who plays bigger than his size.



31. Chukwuma Okorafor, OT, Western Michigan, 6-5, 330, 5.39, Sr

A year ago it was Broncos' right tackle Taylor Moton (selected No. 64 overall by Carolina) who captured scouts attention at the Senior Bowl. Okorafor, bigger and more athletic than his former teammate, has the potential to go even higher with a big final season.



32. Lowell Lotulelei, DT, Utah, 6-1, 320, 5.22, Sr

Like his older brother, Star, with the Carolina Panthers, Lotulelei's vending machine-like frame and awesome power make him tough to move off the ball, helping him to project as a run-stuffing interior defensive tackle. While effective in this role, Lotulelei does not offer much in terms of a pass rush, recording just 8.5 combined sacks over the first 38 games of his career.



Just Missed The Cut:



Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson, 6-4, 265, 4.78, rSoph

Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville, 5-11, 192, 4.45, Jr

Jerome Baker, OLB, Ohio State, 6-1, 225, 4.62, Jr

James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State, 6-0, 205, 4.50, Sr

Trey Adams, OT, Washington, 6-7, 320, 5.30, Jr



Rob Rang is a senior analyst for NFLDraftScout.com, owned and operated by The Sports Xchange.