Early look at top prospects in 2018 NFL Draft

The 2018 NFL Draft won't become a talking point for at least another eight months, as this year's rookies are only now getting settled in their new homes.

But with an eye toward building for the future, you can bet teams around the league are already getting started on some homework for their next opportunity to dip into the college talent pool.

Here's a look at some of the highly touted prospects who could be available next spring.

Sam Darnold, QB, USC

After a 2017 class that many considered to be underwhelming at the most important position on the field, Darnold is just one of many intriguing quarterback prospects looking ahead to next year. The USC signal-caller was phenomenal in his first action as a starter last season, completing 67.2 percent of his passes for 3,086 yards, 31 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Building upon that in his redshirt sophomore season could generate all the hype needed for an early declaration and a top-five selection.

Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA

Rosen has seemingly been on a path to the NFL from the moment he set foot on the field at UCLA. A shoulder injury limited him to six games last season, thus preventing the kind of strides the football world expected to see in his second year, but his potential is still abundantly clear. If healthy in 2017, Rosen will have every opportunity to get back on track and make his case for the top quarterback spot in this class.

Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville

Jackson's ability in the running game, which saw him rack up 1,571 yards and 21 touchdowns last year, will have many suggesting he's just another college quarterback who doesn't fit in the NFL. But that's just not the case. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner is a true dual threat, in the sense that he can beat you both on the ground and in the passing game. Jackson will be a nightmare for defenses to stop at the next level.

Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State

Try as the NFL may to devalue the running back position, top talents just keep rolling through. Barkley is right up there with Ezekiel Elliott, Leonard Fournette, and Christian McCaffrey from the past two drafts as a ball-carrier who's entirely deserving of top-10 buzz. The Penn State standout, who could set the school's all-time rushing record by matching his 2016 total of 1,496 yards next year, has everything teams want in a featured back.

Derrius Guice, RB, LSU

The talent level in the LSU backfield over the last few seasons has been beyond unfair. Guice doesn't have the same power as Fournette, but he's more athletic and every bit the top prospect his running mate ended up being en route to a No. 4 overall selection. Guice racked up an impressive 1,387 yards and 15 touchdowns on just 183 carries while playing second fiddle to Fournette last year. Look for a major breakout now that he's the unquestioned lead back.

Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama

Playing in the Alabama offense may keep Ridley's production from reaching the level of other top receiver prospects, but that's no reason to let him fly under the radar. Ridley looked like he was ready for the next level after an 89-catch freshman season in 2015, so getting a third year under his belt should have him in line for a smooth transition.

Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame

Teams in need of an upgrade on the offensive line - an overwhelming majority in today's NFL - will be pleased with the talent available in the 2018 class. McGlinchey, now entering his fourth year as a starter at Notre Dame, is a prototypical blindside protector who could lift the tackle position back into its rightful spot at the top half of the first round.

Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson

Wilkins has been an absolute force for what's become a perennially dominant Clemson defense. He has the skill set to play a number of different positions on the defensive front, making an impact against both the run and pass. Some improved sack production after being limited to 5.5 across his first two seasons would all but solidify his standing as an early first-round pick.

Derwin James, S, Florida State

James' return from a 2016 knee injury will be one of the more exciting storylines of the upcoming season. The Florida State standout had wasted little time establishing himself as an elite safety prospect upon arriving in Tallahassee the year prior, racking up 91 tackles and 4.5 sacks as a freshman. He could be a top-10 lock with a strong junior season.

Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama

Fitzpatrick will be the latest in a long line of top-tier defensive players making the jump from Alabama to the NFL. While there will be some debate about whether he's a better fit at safety or cornerback, he can likely be a game-changer either way. Fitzpatrick will be entering his junior season with eight interceptions under his belt, including four returned for touchdowns.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)