NFL Draft 2018: 15 Best players remaining after Round 1

After a very exciting first round, the 2018 NFL Draft saw some of the biggest names get taken off the board. However, there are still plenty of outstanding players remaining.

The start of the 2018 NFL Draft was as fun as it was unpredictable. While every player selected was worthy of a first-round draft choice, there are still plenty of talented prospects who didn’t hear their name called on Day 1.

This is when teams really win the NFL Draft, finding the best players available after the first round and getting starters that can contribute.

Here are the 15 best players remaining after the first round of this year’s NFL Draft.

1. Derrius Guice, RB, LSU

Three running backs were selected in the first round, and Guice was not among them. The LSU power runner is one of the best athletes remaining in the 2018 NFL Draft. He shouldn’t have to wait much longer before he finds a home.

2. Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa

Jackson was always a borderline first-rounder. However, the cards weren’t in his favor on day one. The Iowa prospect didn’t have a great combine so that might have hurt his draft stock. But with 27 passes defensed last season, he proved that he can be a nightmare for wide receivers.

3. Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State 

Many thought Goedert would be the first tight end off the board this year. Unfortunately, South Carolina’s Hayden Hurst spoiled that after the Baltimore Ravens took him with the 25th pick. Goedert is an exceptional athlete and was a mismatch for nearly every linebacker he faced. So don’t expect him to fall too much on day two.

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4. Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP

Hernandez is one of the most impressive offensive linemen in this year’s draft class. As one of the best linemen in UTEP history, Hernandez has great strength and athletic ability. While he wasn’t a first-round draft choice, the Las Vegas-native is sure to make a team very happy when they pick him in the second round.

5. Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia 

Three Georgia players were selected in the first round, including Chubb’s former backfield mate, Sony Michel. However, Chubb has the vision, power, and explosiveness to thrive as an NFL back.

6. Cortland Sutton, WR, SMU

While it would have been surprising if Sutton was taken in the first round, he is still one of the more impressive receivers in his class. Sutton’s size at 6-3 and physical route-running ability should catch the eyes of a team looking for an outside threat.

7. James Daniels, C, Iowa

While Daniels gives up some size for a center at 6-3, 295 pounds, he makes up for it with long arms and good balance. NFL teams may be selecting a franchise cornerstone in Daniels, so don’t expect him to hang around past day two.

8. Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado

Oliver is an outstanding coverage corner, which is always a commodity for NFL teams. Because of the depth of this year’s secondary, Oliver may have to be patient as he waits to hear his name called.

9. Connor Williams, OG, Texas

There were concerns about Williams’ length and inconsistency going into the draft. So it’s understandable that teams were hesitant to risk a first-round draft pick on the former Longhorn. However, Williams is big, strong and was a leader in college.

10. Harold Landry, EDGE, Boston College

Landry progressed each season during his four-year college career at Boston College. Considered one of the best defensive ends in all of college football, it would be silly for NFL teams to continue to overlook his abilities.

11. Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma 

Yes, Brown had a horrific combine. While he didn’t deserve a first-round draft selection, that doesn’t mean he won’t make a good pro. Brown was one of the best offensive linemen in college football in 2017. In fact, he was an Outland Trophy finalist, first-team All-American, and All-Big 12 player.

12. Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State

A record-setting, five quarterbacks were selected in the first round. In any other year, Rudolph would have a good shot at a first-round draft choice as well. However, the quarterback pool is too deep this year and Rudolph will have to wait until day two or three.

13. Josh Sweat, EDGE, Florida State

Injuries were a concern throughout Sweat’s college career. But when he was healthy, he was one of the most dominating edge rushers in the country. Therefore, an NFL team is bound to take a risk on him sooner rather than later.

14. Michael Gallup, WR, Colorado State

Gallup is a gifted athlete, who may take some time to develop as an elite pass catcher. However, the Colorado State prospect has the makeup of a WR1. So if he can continue to hone his skills, he may become one of the draft’s best receivers.

Next: NFL Draft 2018: Grades for each first-round pick

15. Ronnie Harrison, SS, Alabama

Harrison was a ball hawk for the Crimson Tide during his career. He tied for the team lead with 74 tackles in 2017, combined with 2.5 sacks. While the Florida-native needs to improve his coverage skills, it’s hard to miss with an Alabama defensive back these days.