New York Giants draft Saquon Barkley: Instant grade and analysis

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - NOVEMBER 18: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions carries the ball on a touchdown run during the first quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on November 18, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. Penn State defeats Nebraska 56-44. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

The New York Giants selected Saquon Barkley with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Here’s all you need to know about Barkley.

The New York Giants had a big opportunity picking at No. 2 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. It looks like they will still be rolling with Eli Manning at quarterback for the foreseeable future. That is because the Giants just selected Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley with that second overall pick.

Strengths

Solidly built with good proportions and a thick lower body. Can get up to top end speed in a hurry. Penn State used him all over the field, as a RB, wildcat QB, WR, and KR. Dynamic and explosive everywhere. If there’s a hole he has 10 yards before the defense knows what’s up. Can make a man miss in the hole. Runs over his pads and can make cuts at full speed.

Effective pass catcher and Penn State could have used him even more in that area. Makes people miss with elusiveness rather than brute strength. Came up with big plays and big games against great defenses. He’s just playing at a different speed than everyone else, it’s incredible. One of the best jump-cutting backs I’ve ever seen.

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Weaknesses

Not stout in pass pro, leaning and diving too often. Not going to push the pile or break a million tackles. Won’t get four yards when zero yards are there, but might get 25 yards when four yards are there. Wants to bounce outside a little too often.

Doesn’t have great vision in the phone booth. Lacks top-end hands and had some ugly drops and double-catches. Tries to get a little too cute at times in an attempt to make a big play. Has to learn to just get four yards instead of taking -2 trying to get 20.

Grade

Barkley has obvious home-run hitter talent at tailback. He is the best back in the first round. However, the Giants could have gotten another solid running back later and not at No. 2 overall. That being said, Barkley could be a perennial Pro Bowler playing in The Big Apple.

Grade: B+

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