MY TOP 25 NFL ROOKIES OF 2018

SAQUON BARKLEY LEADS FINAL RANKINGS

With the regular season in the books, I have reviewed all my notes to rank the top 25 rookies of 2018.

(1) SAQUON BARKLEY: Running back of the new York Giants:

It'll be a tight race for Offensive Rookie of the Year, but Barkley has already established himself as a top-three running back in the league.

(2) BAKER MAYFIELD: Quarterback of the Cleveland Browns

Mayfield set the rookie record for TD passes (27) and brought life to a dormant franchise this fall.

(3) DERWIN JAMES:  Safety of the Los Angeles Chargers

James' versatility and playmaking skills were on display throughout the entire season.

(4) DARIUS LEONARD: Linebacker of the Indianapolis Colts

Leonard stuffed the stat sheet (163 tackles, seven sacks, four forced fumbles and two picks) the entire season, and his much-needed speed transformed the Colts' defense into a playoff unit.

(5) BRADLEY CHUBB: Outside Linebacker for the Denver Broncos

Chubb came close to breaking Jevon Kearse's rookie sack record (14.5; Chubb finished with 12) and he is poised to be a perennial Pro Bowler in the near future.

(6) QUENTON NELSON: Offensive Guard for the Indianapolis Colts

Nelson is already the most dominant player at his position, earning a Pro Bowl berth in his rookie campaign.

(7) PHILLIP LINDSAY: Running back for the Denver Broncos

Lindsay's production dipped late in the season (he also missed the last game with a wrist injury), but he rightfully earned a spot in the Pro Bowl for his productive fall.

(8) LEIGHTON VANDER ESCH: Linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys

LVE was a highlight machine for the Cowboys' defense. His range and cover ability are off the charts.

(9) NICK CHUBB: Running back for the Cleveland Browns

Chubb should've been given more opportunities earlier in the season, based on his outstanding second half of the year.

(10) DENZEL WARD: Cornerback for the Cleveland Browns

Ward quickly emerged as a player capable of mirroring the NFL's top wide receivers.

(11) ROQUAN SMITH: Linebacker for the Chicago Bears

Smith has been a perfect fit in Vic Fangio's attacking defense. He plays downhill and arrives with bad intentions.

(12) LAMAR JACKSON: Quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens

Jackson helped turn around the Ravens' season with his explosive running ability and occasional big strikes in the passing game.

(13) SAM DARNOLD: Quarterback for the New York Jets

Darnold missed a few games due to a foot injury in the middle of the season, but he returned to finish the year in style by playing his best football.

(14) JOSH ALLEN: Quarterback for the Buffalo Bills

Allen used his legs and big arm to keep the Bills competitive despite a very suspect offensive line and nondescript weapons in the passing game.

(15) TREMAINE EDMUNDS: Linebacker for the Buffalo Bills

Edmunds has rare size for his position and he was ultra-productive for the Bills this fall.

(16) MIKE MCGLINCHEY: Offensive Tackle for the San Francisco 49ers

McGlinchey wasn't a flashy pick, but he's provided stability at right tackle for the 49ers.

(17) CALVIN RIDLEY: Wide Receiver for the Atlanta Falcons

Ridley is already one of the top No. 2 WRs in the NFL and should produce double-digit touchdowns on a yearly basis.

(18) JAIRE ALEXANDER: Cornerback for the Green Bay Packers

Alexander's competitiveness was evident during his days at Louisville and it has helped him as a top-tier cornerback in his rookie season.

(19) ANTHONY MILLER: Wide Receiver for the Chicago Bears

Miller is an excellent route runner who has a knack for creating separation from defenders.

(20) SONY MICHEL: Running Back for the New England Patriots

Michel has a unique combination of speed and power. He helped change the identity of this Patriots offense from finesse to physical.

(21) DONTE JACKSON: Cornerback for the Carolina Panthers

Jackson is very explosive and his ball skills are excellent.

(22) FRED WARNER: Linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers

Warner's instincts, range and reliability were impressive this fall. He helped offset the loss of Reuben Foster.

(23) B.J. HILL: Defensive End for the New York Giants

Hill provided the Giants with some interior pass rush. His combination of power and quickness jumps off the tape.

(24) MICHAEL DICKSON: Punter for the Seattle Seahawks

Dickson, a Pro Bowler as a rookie, is already the top punter in the NFL.

(25) BRADEN SMITH: Offensive Tackle for the Indianapolis Colts

Smith has been a little up and down this fall, but he has shown tremendous upside as both a capable pass protector and a people-mover in the run game.