With The First Pick
Fansided

2018 draft class headlines NFL Top 100 list

By Seth Steere

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 23: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants runs the ball in the game against the Indianapolis Colts in the first quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 23: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants runs the ball in the game against the Indianapolis Colts in the first quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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NFL Network released its annual NFL top 100 list, and several players from the 2018 NFL draft made the cut.

Each year since 2011, NFL Network maks their best effort to narrow down the top 100 players in the league. Surprisingly, six players from the 2018 NFL draft were selected.

Here’s where the soon-to-be second-year players checked-in.

74. Leighton Vander Esch, Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys drafted Leighton Vander Esch in the first round — 19th overall — in 2019l. He finished last season with 140 tackles, third amongst all players.

68. Phillip Lindsay, Denver Broncos

Phillip Lindsay joined the Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2018. He ended up winning Denver’s starting running back job and was one of the NFL’s best playmakers.

50. Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns

Despite not playing a full season last year, Baker Mayfield garnered enough respect from his peers to earn a spot in the top 50. The gunslinging quarterback has already changed the culture in Cleveland entering his second season.

31. Derwin James, Los Angeles Chargers

Derwin James slid to No. 17 overall in the 2018 draft but played like one of the best safeties in the entire league. James is one of the more versatile players in the league finding reps all over the field, anywhere from linebacker to slot corner.

26. Darius Leonard, Indianapolis Colts

Darius Leonard came out of nowhere last season to lead the league in tackles with 163. He added seven sacks in what was an All-Pro season.

16. Saquon Barkley, New York Giants

Saquon Barkley is this year’s highest-rated rookie and for good reason. Barkley finished with over 2,000 yards from scrimmage which lead to Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

Who’d They Miss: Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis Colts

Quenton Nelson somehow didn’t earn a spot on the NFL Top 100 of 2019 list. He was both an All-Pro and a Pro Bowler last season and was arguably the most dominant interior lineman in the league. It’s safe to assume he be on the 2020 ranking.

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