BASEBALL
Kris Bryant, 3B, Chicago Cubs
Bryant, picked No. 2 overall in 2013, wowed with 43 minor-league homers in 2014. He and Anthony Rizzo will give the rising Cubs a pair of old-school sluggers–good luck pitching around both.
BASKETBALL
Jahlil Okafor, C, Duke
The 6-ft. 11-in. Okafor’s low-post moves made him most everyone’s top high school player in 2014. After a year at Duke, he’ll quickly help the NBA team that snags him.
HOCKEY
Connor McDavid, C, Erie Otters
It says a lot about McDavid, and the NHL, that he broke his hand fighting and remained the consensus top pick. He projects as the kind of playmaking savant who can save a team.
FOOTBALL
Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
A precise passer (2014 stats: 38 touchdowns, two interceptions) and deft runner (5.7 yd. per carry, 14 TDs). The Heisman-winning Hawaiian could be a taller Russell Wilson–and first off the board in April.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- How Donald Trump Won
- The Best Inventions of 2024
- Why Sleep Is the Key to Living Longer
- Robert Zemeckis Just Wants to Move You
- How to Break 8 Toxic Communication Habits
- Nicola Coughlan Bet on Herself—And Won
- Why Vinegar Is So Good for You
- Meet TIME's Newest Class of Next Generation Leaders
Write to Jack Dickey at jack.dickey@time.com