New England Patriots receive high grades in 2018 NFL Draft first round
New York Giants No. 2: Penn St. RB, Saquon Barkley
The New York Giants draft philosophy is to take the best player available. Jerry Reese strayed from that thinking in recent years, resulting in some bad seasons. In his first season as general manager, Dave Gettleman got back to that philosophy, selecting Penn State running back Saquon Barkley.
Barkley immediately improves a Giants offense that on paper has some explosive athletes. Barkley joins an impressive skill position group of Odell Beckham Jr., Sterling Shepard and Evan Engram. Eli Manning has an embarrassment of riches that would make any quarterback smile.
In Barkley, the Giants are getting a playmaker and difference maker. He is a multi-dimensional player, as he dominates on the ground, through the air and on special teams as a kick returner. Barkley won Big 10 Offensive Player of the Year in 2016 and 2017 and was a consensus All-American in 2017.
Barkley totaled 3,843 yards rushing on 671 attempts, scoring 43 touchdowns. He also caught 102 passes for 1,195 yards, adding eight receiving touchdowns as well.
With Barkley in the fold, the Giants can get back to their ground and pound offense they are known for running. However, they could rue the day they passed on a quarterback, especially if they find success with the New York Jets.