New York Jets 2018 NFL Draft Target: Saquon Barkley

The New York Jets have the sixth overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Here we take a look at a possible target, Penn State running back Saquon Barkley.

This is a tricky one. The New York Jets have the sixth overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Saquon Barkley is the premier running back in this year’s class. Gang Green will probably need to trade up to get him or hope that lady luck shines on them once again. Leonard Williams (2015) and Jamal Adams (2017) both dropped in their lap at number six overall in those respective drafts.

The Jets can’t count on that though. If they do decide to trade up to select Barkley, they’ll be getting one of the most dynamic players to enter the NFL this year. The Penn State product was a first-team All-American last season when he rushed for 1,271 yards and scored 23 total touchdowns, including two kickoff returns.

Barkley threw a touchdown pass as well to round out a brilliant resume. For his career, the Bronx, NY native compiled 5,557 all-purpose yards and 53 touchdowns. He looks like a can’t miss prospect.

Let’s take a look at some of his highlights with the Nittany Lions via YouTube:

As you can see from the video, the 5-foot-11, 233-pounder has all the attributes necessary to become a star in the NFL – power, elusiveness, breakaway speed and solid ball security. Barkley also is an excellent pass receiver out of the backfield which increases his draft value even more. He reminds me of a combination of Ezekiel Elliott and Shady McCoy, a pretty impressive blend indeed. Barkley can turn any carry or reception into a touchdown. Dynamic game-breakers like that are worth their weight in gold.

ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper is very impressed with the two-time Big 10 Offensive Player of the Year, as he explained to pennlive.com:

"“The way he bounces, the leg strength, good balance; he’s a heck of a player, and you’re hoping he’s going be like Leonard Fournette, Ezekiel Elliott, and Todd Gurley. He can pass catch very effectively. He’s a heck of a player.”"

It’s expected that the Browns and Giants will select quarterbacks with the first two picks in this year’s draft. The Colts own pick number three so the Jets would probably have to trade their first round selection (sixth overall), both of their second round picks this year (number 37 and 49 overall) and a mid-level selection in 2019 to move up into Indianapolis’ slot. Is it worth it? That’s a decision General Manager Mike Maccagnan would have to make if Gang Green decides they’re all in to draft Barkley.

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I would do it. Barkley would give the Jets their most dynamic playmaker in many years. I realize that’s a lot of draft capital to part with — their first round selection, two second round draft picks this year and a mid-rounder in 2019 — but Barkley projects to be a true difference maker if he can remain healthy. He’d instantly become their finest running back since Hall of Famer Curtis Martin.

Gang Green needs to be very aggressive here. It’s time for them to compete again for the AFC East crown. Moving up to draft Barkley would go a long way in helping New York become a viable playoff contender. He’s that special.