What Is 2018 National Football League Draft

Overview

The 2018 National Football League Draft was the 83rd annual meeting where NFL franchises selected eligible college football players. Held over three days, the draft marked a shift in venue tradition by taking place inside AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, rather than a downtown convention center.

This draft was notable for high quarterback activity in the first round and a record number of trades, reflecting aggressive team strategies. The event drew over 250,000 fans to the stadium and surrounding areas, setting attendance benchmarks for future drafts.

• Baker Mayfield became the first overall pick, selected by the Cleveland Browns after a standout career at the University of Oklahoma.
• 256 players were selected across 7 rounds, with each team granted compensatory or regular picks based on prior season performance.
• The Los Angeles Rams forfeited their 2018 second-round pick due to a penalty for an illegal contact incident in 2016.
• Quarterbacks dominated early picks: Mayfield, Josh Rosen, Sam Darnold, and Josh Allen were all selected in the top 10.
• The draft introduced a fan festival model at AT&T Stadium, blending concerts, interactive games, and team exhibits to boost public engagement.

How It Works

The NFL Draft operates as a closed selection process where teams choose players in reverse order of the previous season’s standings, with playoff teams picking later. Trades of draft picks are common, allowing teams to move up or down the board based on strategic needs.

• Round Structure: The draft consists of 7 rounds, with each team initially receiving one pick per round, totaling 32 selections per round.
• Compensatory Picks:32 additional picks were awarded in rounds 3–7 based on the prior year’s free-agent losses and gains, as determined by the NFL.
• Selection Order: The team with the worst record in the prior season picks first; the 2017 Cleveland Browns held the top pick with a 1–15 record.
• Time Limits: Teams had 10 minutes in round one, 7 minutes in round two, and 5 minutes in rounds 3–7 to make selections.
• Eligibility: Players must be at least three years removed from high school; most draftees are college juniors or seniors.
• Trade Flexibility: Teams can trade current or future draft picks; in 2018, 13 trades occurred during the first round alone.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top five 2018 draft picks with their college background, position, and current NFL status as of 2023.

The table highlights the prominence of quarterbacks in the early selections, with three of the top five picks playing the position. While Mayfield and Allen had contrasting draft positions, both went on to sign rookie contracts worth over $25 million. Saquon Barkley, the highest non-QB pick, quickly became a cornerstone for the Giants with over 1,000 rushing yards in his rookie season.

Why It Matters

The 2018 NFL Draft had lasting implications on team dynamics, player careers, and league competitiveness. Several draftees evolved into Pro Bowl players, while others faced early career challenges due to injury or fit issues.

• Baker Mayfield won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2018, throwing for over 3,700 yards and 27 touchdowns.
• Saquon Barkley rushed for 1,307 yards as a rookie, becoming a franchise centerpiece for the Giants.
• Josh Allen, initially picked 7th in 2018, later led the Bills to multiple playoff runs and signed a $258 million contract in 2021.
• The Cleveland Browns used picks 1 and 4 to draft Mayfield and Ward, signaling a full rebuild after years of losing seasons.
• Compensatory picks helped teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers select James Washington in the second round, adding depth to their receiving corps.
• The draft’s success in Arlington influenced future locations, with NFL Drafts held in Nashville, Las Vegas, and Detroit adopting similar fan-centric models.

Overall, the 2018 NFL Draft reshaped several franchises and highlighted the importance of strategic drafting in building long-term success.