Top 5 2018 NFL Draft picks likely to land a huge second contract ft. Lamar Jackson
The 2018 NFL Draft was one of the most publicized in recent memory, as draft analysts compared the various prospects about to enter the league. Five quarterbacks were taken in round one, the second-highest number in NFL history behind the six selected in 1983.
Many high draft picks will likely not land a huge second contract, such as Sam Darnold and Josh Rosen. According to ESPN, 70 percent of players don't land a second contract. Despite this, plenty of players from 2018 will fancy their chances at landing a big payday, and here are five of them.
2018 NFL Draft picks likely to land a second contract
#1 - Derwin James
Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James will likely land a huge second contract. The Chargers exercised James' fifth-year option a year ago, guaranteeing the former first-rounder a base salary of $9.05 million for the 2022 season.
The former FSU star has struggled with injuries throughout his time in the NFL, but when he's been on the field, he's been electric. James was named first-team All-Pro in 2018 and 2021, the two years he's featured regularly in the NFL so far.
#2 - Quenton Nelson
Like James, offensive lineman Quenton Nelson had his fifth-year option exercised in 2021. The Indianapolis Colts guard has been one of the very best in the NFL since being drafted fifth overall in 2018 and will most likely get rewarded accordingly with a new deal.
Nelson has been named first-team All-Pro in three of his four league seasons and made the Pro Bowl every season of his career thus far.
4 seasons
4 sacks allowed
Quenton Nelson is unreal 🤯 https://t.co/HfpkrrB1ME