Mark Craig's top 25 players in 2018 NFL draft, regardless of position

Mark Craig lists his top 25 prospects in this year's NFL draft, which begins Thursday, regardless of draft projection or position:

1. Bradley Chubb, edge rusher, North Carolina State: First defender selected fits a lot of teams' top need.

2. Quenton Nelson, guard, Notre Dame: Perhaps the safest pick and a certain top-10 selection.

3. Saquon Barkley, running back, Penn State: Has the multidimensional game needed for modern back.

4. Minkah Fitzpatrick, defensive back, Alabama: Big corner who can play anywhere in the secondary.

5. Sam Darnold, quarterback, Southern California: Seems to be the best bet in the crowded quarterback pool.

6. Roquan Smith, linebacker, Georgia: Playmaker built in the classic modern 'backer mold.

8. Derwin James, safety, Florida State: Versatility could make him a special defensive weapon.

9. Baker Mayfield, quarterback, Oklahoma: Had top-10 production, but is he too undersized for the NFL?

10. Tremaine Edmunds, linebacker, Virginia Tech: Sky's the limit for this Urlacher-sized 'backer.

11. Josh Rosen, quarterback, UCLA: Has all he needs to grow into a fine starter.

12. Calvin Ridley, wide receiver, Alabama: A lucky team will land him in the lower half of Round 1.

14. Maurice Hurst, defensive tackle, Michigan: Could be a wrecking ball at the three-technique spot.

15. Josh Allen, quarterback, Wyoming: The highest bust potential, but he belongs on this list.

16. Harold Landry, edge rusher, Boston College: Undersized, but should become an elite pass rusher.

17. James Daniels, center, Iowa: Best center just scratching the surface at age 20.

18. Jaire Alexander, cornerback, Louisville: Not the biggest guy, but has skills and runs a 4.38 40.

20. Vita Vea, defensive tackle, Washington: Massive, powerful player who will improve with polish.

21. Mike McGlinchey, offensive tackle, Notre Dame: Could shortage of tackles cause McGlinchey to climb?

22. Taven Bryan, defensive tackle, Florida: Strong like a tackle, smooth like an end.

23. Lamar Jackson, quarterback, Louisville: Special player with athleticism and a big arm.

24. Rashaan Evans, linebacker, Alabama: Another Saban-polished player with position flexibility.