2018 NFL Draft: Grading every first-round pick after rookie year

2. Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants

2018 Stats: 1,307 rushing yards, 5 yards per carry, 11 rushing TDs, 91 receptions, 720 receiving yards, 4 receiving TDs

There’s a reason the New York Giants spent the No. 2 overall pick on a running back. Yes, Saquon Barkley was that good during his rookie season in the Big Apple. Look at the above stats if you really need some sort of convincing.

More than likely, though, you’ve already known this for awhile. Unless you spent the 2018 NFL season living under a rock, you probably saw several highlights of Barkley’s many jawdropping big plays. From hurdling defenders to pinballing his way through defenses, the kid simply couldn’t be stopped.

That’s why he finished the year second in rushing yards, falling just 127 yards short of Ezekiel Elliott despite receiving 43 less carries. Barkley also added nearly 100 receptions on the year, and was often the only good thing going on for the New York offense. As long as he can stay healthy, the future is very bright for the Giants’ offense as a whole.

As expected, Barkley turned out to be a transcendent talent. There haven’t been many running backs who possessed the combination of elusiveness, power, vision and athleticism that he brings to the table. That’s why it’s safe to say the Giants knocked this one out of the park.

Grade: A+