2018 NFL Mock Draft: Josh Rosen, Sam Darnold lead the way
By Brad Weiss
Saquon Barkley
Running Back, Penn State
The San Francisco 49ers inserted Jimmy Garoppolo at quarterback two weeks ago, and the early returns have been positive. After winning only one of their first ten games, the 49ers have won two straight with Jimmy G at the helm, and they are fresh off a blowout victory over the Houston Texans. Their first order of business this offseason is locking him up long-term, which may cost a ton of money, but it looks to be worth it.
The second line of business is bringing in some talent around him, and Saquon Barkley from Penn State is the most talented running back in this draft class. Barkley can do it all from his running back position, as he was a standout player in the run, and pass game for the Nittany Lions. This 49ers team picked a defensive player with their top pick in 2017, so expect them to go offense next April.
Based on what we have seen from Garoppolo, he will be worth the money, and the 49ers new brass is looking to turn this franchise around. The 2017 season is a lost cause, but the more games he can win, the more confidence this team will have heading into next season. Barkley is a difference maker, and with a solid quarterback in place, the 49ers are starting to put the pieces together to be relevant once again.