5 players who Giants need to be great in 2020

2. Saquon Barkley, RB

Dave Gettleman’s first draft selection as the general manager of the Giants was debated heavily when it happened and is still the subject of much discussion today.

That pick was Penn State running back Saquon Barkley with the second-overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft. With an aging Eli Manning on the roster carrying a large cap hit, most expected Gettleman to select Sam Darnold, Josh Allen or Josh Rosen.

Instead, Gettleman took Barkley, and that’s fine. In his rookie year, he won AP Offensive Rookie of the Year with 2,028 yards from scrimmage and 15 total scores. He ran for 1,307 yards with 11 touchdowns and racked up 721 receiving yards on 91 receptions with four touchdowns.

Last year, Barkley battled an ankle injury. But he still had 1,003 rushing yards and 438 receiving yards. He ran for six touchdowns and hauled in two more in the air.

Going off the last slide, Barkley did all of this behind a mediocre offensive line both seasons. This year with a better line, more experienced quarterback and different coaching staff, Barkley can be great for the Giants like he was his rookie year.

Barkley does so much for this team, as seen in his stat lines. He is dynamic, versatile and he can make plays in many different ways. Him being great gives Daniel Jones an essential weapon. He can open up the passing game by establishing the run and play action.