Fansided

25 best NFL players under 25 years old

By Rucker Haringey

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 04: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates a touchdown scored by Austin Ekeler #30 (not pictured) during the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium on October 04, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 04: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates a touchdown scored by Austin Ekeler #30 (not pictured) during the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium on October 04, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OCTOBER 03: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants reacts after scoring a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during a game at the Caesars Superdome on October 03, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

20. Saquon Barkley

The Giants’ front office was justifiably criticized for drafting Barkley with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 draft but that doesn’t change the fact that he’s a special talent. Only injuries have been able to stop him from racking up yards and touchdowns during his professional career.

In fact, Barkley could be higher on this list if he hadn’t missed the majority of his 2020 campaign. A mysterious ankle injury has him sidelined again this year, but he should return for New York sooner rather than later.

When healthy, Barkley uses his unique combination of power and nimbleness in the backfield to be a big-play threat every time he touches the football. Add in his exceptional pass-catching abilities and it’s easy to understand why the Giants base much of their offensive game plan around Barkley’s unique talents.

If Barkley gets healthy and starts to put up video game numbers again then he’ll contend for All-Pro status in New York for years to come. If he continues to miss time due to injury then he may be looking for a new home when his current deal expires. No matter what, he remains one of the most physically gifted players in the NFL.

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