The 2018 NFL Draft class will be defined by its quarterbacks, as this year’s group of passers is the most intriguing in recent history. But N.C. State pass-rusher Bradley Chubb and Penn State running back Saquon Barkley could turn out to be just as valuable in the NFL as any of the QBs in this class.

In addition, playmakers like USC running back Ronald Jones and Texas A&M wide receiver Christian Kirk might be selected higher than you think. On the flip side, Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick and LSU running back Derrius Guice could slip on draft day.

Note: This big board does not include quarterbacks, as they can’t adequately be ranked among other position groups.

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NFL Draft Big Board: Best players in 2018 class

1. Bradley Chubb, DE, N.C. State

A highly developed pass-rusher with an ideal body type, Chubb can step in on Day 1 and anchor a defense in the NFL. He does not boast the same bend around the edge as that of Myles Garrett, but his burst off the snap and ability to stay explosive throughout his rush is reminiscent of Shawne Merriman. Chubb’s leadership also can help create a winning culture.

2. Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State

A LeSean McCoy-like runner in his lateral burst and elusiveness, Barkley also offers the kind of pass catching and blocking that can give his NFL team an immediate impact player. Barkley helped changed the culture at Penn State by dominating the weight room and leading by example. He can do that in the NFL, too.

3. Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame

While interior offensive lineman don’t present the same value as other positions do, Nelson is a rare, devastating blocker who can make his surrounding teammates better. He should be selected within the top 10 picks.

4. Tremaine Edmunds, OLB, Virginia Tech

Set to be just a 20-year-old rookie, the long, lean, still-developing Edmunds has a ton of upside and positional versatility. He might need a year or so before he can begin to reach his ceiling, but Edmunds’ malleability is what makes him so intriguing for NFL coaches.

5. Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State

While he should not be expected to provide the same impact former Ohio State cornerback Marshon Lattimore gave the Saints as a rookie last season, Ward is just as talented. He possesses rare athleticism and bend, which coupled with his physicality will allow him to start immediately in the NFL.

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6. Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama

Alabama’s feature playmaker over the last two seasons, Ridley has dominated as both a short-area and vertical receiver. He plays with outstanding body control and should be able to start immediately as an outside NFL receiver.

7. Derwin James, S, Florida State

An athletic, in-the-box safety, James has the rare explosiveness needed to be a modern, more versatile version of Kam Chancellor in the right NFL scheme. He had a bit of a down 2017 season, but his upside is among the highest in this class.

8. Ronald Jones, RB, USC

With his NFL comparisons including Jamal Charles and Melvin Gordon, Jones’ vision on the perimeter, plus his burst and decisiveness to finish opportunities upfield, should make him a successful runner in the league.

9. Roquan Smith, ILB, Georgia

A physical, decisive leader for the Bulldogs in their run to the national championship game, Smith projects as an elite run defender who has the ability to stay on the field for all three downs and develop into the next Patrick Willis.

10. Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama

His positional versatility is exciting, and he has received rave reviews from the Alabama coaching staff. But Fitzpatrick’s projection as only a nickel corner in the NFL might limit how many teams will look to draft him early.

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11. Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M

A highly skilled, explosive receiver who suffered through lackluster quarterback play in college, Kirk’s ceiling is a high-end No. 2 or potential feature receiver in an offense that can maximize his versatility, finishing ability as a receiver and run-after-catch upside.

12. Billy Price, C, Ohio State

A torn pec suffered at the NFL Combine might have pushed Price out of Round 1 projections, but the Ohio State center is a Nick Mangold-level prospect who is pro-ready.

13. Will Hernandez, G, UTEP

While his upside might not scream top-20 overall pick, Hernandez is a mauler who uses developed technique. His efficiency as a short-area blocker will allow him to help maximize an NFL running attack like few rookie linemen can.

14. Isaiah Wynn, G, Georgia

A former undersized tackle-turned-elite guard prospect, Wynn’s lateral movement and efficient hand skills speak to his upside as a versatile interior blocker.

15. Connor Williams, OT, Texas

Williams struggled a bit during his final season at Texas, but his athleticism, bend, tenacity and pure strength all suggest he can be a franchise left tackle. If he can land with a team that’s willing to work with him, he can emerge as one of the steals of this draft.

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16. Vita Vea, DT, Washington

Despite being a massive body in the the interior, it was Vea’s movement skills that allowed him to flash lateral control and pass-rush moves despite being over 340 pounds in college. Not many humans can move like Vea at his size.

17. Rashaan Evans, ILB, Alabama

An under-appreciated prospect in a strong linebacker class, Evans is next in a long line of NFL-ready linebacker prospects from Alabama. He has special range and explosiveness to the perimeter, attributes that allow him to fill multiple linebacker responsibilities.

18. Harold Landry, DE, Boston College

A handful of nagging injuries in his final college season inhibited his growth as a prospect, But Landry still has the bend on the perimeter, violent hands and finishing burst needed to rack up 10 sacks in a season early in his NFL career.

19. Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU

Sutton likely would have been a first-rounder in last year’s draft had he declared, but he opted to stay in college and continue to develop. He still needs more development, especially in traffic, but he has the highest ceiling of any receiver in this class.

20. Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa

Possessing elite ball skills, Jackson burst onto the scene in 2017 as a first-year starter. He still needs some work, especially with his footwork and hip timing, but he has the potential to be an NFL elite cornerback.

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21. Da’Ron Payne, DT, Alabama

Payne is the perfect combination of a hard-working, relentless defensive lineman, and he has a still-developing skill set into which an NFL team can tap. He should grow into a versatile presence for the interior of a pro defense.

22. Derrius Guice, RB, LSU

Injury and minor character concerns, along with limited third-down value, has pushed Guice into the second tier of running back prospects. He can be a productive player in a power run scheme, but he might not be a first-round fit with every team despite his elite burst and body type.

23. James Daniels, C, Iowa

An early entry in the draft despite being an interior offensive lineman, Daniels is a well-round prospect who has tremendous athleticism for his position. He is an effective zone blocker, and his pass protection is outstanding, with the exception of his anchor.

24. Sony Michel, RB, Georgia

A speedy, explosive runner from Georgia, Michel possesses NFL-ready perimeter vision, top-end speed, pass-catching upside and workhorse potential. He just needs to keep the fumbles to a minimum.

25. Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan

Hurst’s fears about a heart condition thankfully have been eliminated, and he can return to being one of the safest defensive line prospects in this class. Hurst can fill multiple roles, and his strong hands and lower-half burst can make him a great run defender.

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26. D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland

Despite being undersized at 6-0, Moore finishes well in the air and away from his frame, even while catching in traffic. He is a high-end No. 2 receiver for an NFL offense. The Golden Tate comparisons are merited.

27. Taven Bryan, DT, Florida

Bryan is a raw prospect who has the potential to develop into a high-end starter early in his NFL career. A phenomenal athlete who plays with quickness and power, he is a stout run defender who also can get after the passer on third downs. Bryan has the versatility to fit into either a 4-3 or 3-4 base defense, but he will need time before he can be relied upon consistently as a starter.

28. Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA

Davenport’s ceiling as an edge player or true 4-3 outside linebacker is undeniable, but NFL teams will need to decide whether they think the 6-6, 260-pound defender will ever reach it. He needs development in his hand and footwork technique.

29. Carlton Davis, CB, Auburn

A physical outside cornerback with the length and hand strength to fit as the NFL’s coveted press Cover-3 corner, Davis will have more than a few teams covet his upside. They won’t worry as much about the concerns over his pass interference habit and lack of ideal hip fluidity.

30. Malik Jefferson, OLB, Texas

A former five-star recruit with the potential to be an Anthony Barr-like linebacker, Jefferson has yet to put his game together, in part due to nagging injuries over the last two seasons. He is described as a quiet leader, and he volunteers to play special teams despite being a blue-chip player.

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31. Leighton Vander Esch, OLB, Boise State

A former high school basketball standout who started just one year at Boise State, Vander Esch is a raw, risky prospect for NFL teams to draft in Round 1. But in time, his skill set could make him among the NFL’s most unique linebackers.

32. Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama

A three-year starter in Alabama’s secondary, Harrison has developed physicality and mentally over his college career as an anchor for the Crimson Tide defense. He is a long, athletic safety who can play multiple spots in coverage or in the box.

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