Fantasy Football Rankings: 5 Rookies destined to be superstars in 2018

1. Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants

Current ADP: 6.5

Realistically, you probably didn’t need to be told this. It’s almost a no-brainer that Saquon Barkley is going to be a fantasy stud for any owner lucky enough to land him this season.

First, Barkley is a man among boys when it comes to playing the running back position. Not only is he an elite athlete with impeccable vision, instincts and toughness, but he’s got the speed and strength to either outrun or run over any defense. Then there are his receiving skills, which match perfectly with the prototypical tools of today’s NFL runner.

Second, Barkley shouldn’t have much competition for touches in the New York Giants’ backfield. For years, the G-Men have been looking for a competent runner to rely on. It initially seemed like Paul Perkins would be that guy, but then 2017 happened and that fantasy faded.

Now in the Big Apple, Barkley figures to tear it up for the Giants. That’s why he’s rarely making it out of the first round in fantasy drafts. There’s just too much upside for the Penn State product to stay on the board, especially with the fading talents of Eli Manning still expected under center for New York in 2018.

It’s always a gamble with rookie running backs, but there isn’t a safer bet this year than Barkley. If his college career was any sort of foreshadowing, we could be watching the birth of a superstar in the coming months.