DENVER BRONCOS
DRAFT PICKS 2018
Aaron Schatz, editor-in-chief of Football Outsiders: Royce Freeman, RB, Denver Broncos. Very little stands between Freeman and a starting job in Denver. It could also be Nyheim Hines in Indianapolis, for the same reason.

Kevin Seifert, national NFL writer: Dallas Goedert, TE, Philadelphia Eagles. We all know how the Eagles use their tight ends. In two seasons under coa… Morech Doug Pederson, they have targeted tight ends an NFL-high 348 times. Goedert will get plenty of opportunities, and with long arms and a flair for dramatic catches, he is built to be a red zone star.

Field Yates, NFL Insider: Nyheim Hines, RB, Indianapolis Colts. At the moment, Hines could be penciled in as the starting running back in Indianapolis after Frank Gore signed with the Dolphins this offseason. There's a chance that Indy relies on a committee approach that also includes Mack and Wilkins, but I'll go with the electric and explosive Hines (who ran a 4.38-second 40 at the combine) as a rookie whom we'll see make an immediate impact.

Who's your pick to be 2018 Defensive Rookie of the Year?
Bowen: Bradley Chubb, DE, Denver Broncos. I expect Chicago's Roquan Smith to be in the discussion, but Chubb gets my vote because of the sack numbers he can produce in Denver. Working opposite Von Miller, Chubb should see more one-on-one matchups. Also, his talent base is legit: strength, power and the counter moves to get home to the QB. Watch out.

Clay: Roquan Smith, LB, Chicago Bears. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio runs a 3-4 scheme, and his top two off-ball linebackers in recent years -- Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman -- have both generally been near-every-down players. Smith is very young at 21, so a slow start is possible. But his combination of speed, athleticism and intelligence figures to land him an every-down role and high-end production in short order.

Kimes: Bradley Chubb, DE, Denver Broncos. In a less quarterback-centric draft, Chubb could've easily landed in the top two; his athleticism and football IQ will enable him to wreak havoc in the NFL from the jump. Transitioning to the Broncos' 3-4 scheme shouldn't be too challenging for the NC State defensive end, who will benefit from offenses' double-teaming Miller.

Sando: Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Buffalo Bills. Coach Sean McDermott seems to be able to develop players and feature them properly. The role Edmunds plays should give him ample opportunity to make some splash plays.

Schatz: Derwin James, S, Los Angeles Chargers. I like Roquan Smith to lead rookies in tackles, but James should have a lot of playmaking opportunities on the Chargers' schedule. They could face a series of first-time starting quarterbacks, with two games against Patrick Mahomes plus an early matchup with Buffalo and games against Arizona and Baltimore late in the season, when Josh Rosen and Lamar Jackson could be in the lineup.

Bradley Chubb was the top pass-rusher in the 2018 class. Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire

Seifert: Bradley Chubb, DE, Denver Broncos. Let's face it: These types of awards are often based on tangible statistics such as sacks or interceptions. Chubb has every chance to rack up the sack numbers while playing opposite Von Miller. Will he be the every-down force that many expect Roquan Smith to be? That's less certain. But the kind of gaudy stats that Chubb has a chance to collect will generate national attention.

Who's your pick to be 2018 Offensive Rookie of the Year?
Bowen: Derrius Guice, RB, Washington Redskins. Saquon Barkley should be considered the preseason favorite. But let's not forget about Guice in Washington's offense. His physical, balanced running style is a fit for the NFL game. He can bring it on contact. That 4.49 speed will show up when Guice hits the second level. He should handle the touches on early downs and on the goal line for the Redskins, and I see a skill set on film that will allow the rookie to contribute as a receiver on underneath throws.

Clay: Rashaad Penny, RB, Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks have been extremely pass-heavy the past two seasons, but the offseason change to offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer and subsequent personnel moves suggest a move back to the run. Those moves included taking San Diego State's Penny in the first round of the draft. He led the nation in rushing yards last year (2,248) and has good size, terrific elusiveness and post-contact ability as well as good receiving chops. He's a candidate to push for well more than Less