New York Giants 2019 training camp profile: Saquon Barkley
The New York Giants commence training camp on July 24. Here we take a closer look at superstar running back Saquon Barkley.
So what can New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley do for an encore? In his first year out of Penn State, Barkley lived up to the billing as the 2018 second overall selection by winning Offensive Rookie of the Year last season.
With the opening of Big Blue’s 2019 training camp less than two weeks away now, it’s time to take a closer look at the super sophomore (by NFL standards).
It will certainly be hard to top his brilliant 2018 campaign but Barkley has the ability and desire to do just that. He has set the bar extremely high.
2018 Season Recap
Barkley took the NFL by storm as a rookie. The Bronx native was named the AP Rookie of the Year after leading the league with 2,028 total yards from scrimmage. He finished second in the NFL in rushing (1,307 yards), added 91 receptions and set a Big Blue rookie record with 15 total touchdowns. He did everything but sell programs at MetLife Stadium.
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Barkley’s 15 total touchdowns ranked only behind Todd Gurley and Alvin Kamara. He made the Pro Bowl and was named First-Team All-Pro. Barkley more than proved he was worth the second overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Training Camp Outlook
The 5-11, 233-pounder knows what NFL training camp is all about now. He should see limited action during the preseason, most likely one series apiece on Aug. 8 (vs. Jets) and Aug. 16 against the Bears.
Look for Barkley to play about a half in the annual dress rehearsal contest, Game 3 vs. the Bengals on Aug. 22 in Cincinnati. Head coach Pat Shurmur won’t push the envelope any further than that and will rest his brilliant halfback in the preseason finale (Aug. 29 against New England).
2019 Season Forecast
What a tough act to follow. If you play fantasy football, Barkley will probably be the first overall selection in standard and PPR leagues. For the Giants, Barkley may see eight men in the box more often now that Odell Beckham Jr. is with the Browns. He is Big Blue’s lone true home-run threat.
With that being said, expect another huge season from the 22-year old running back. Barkley compiled 352 touches last year and should finish with more than that this coming season. He’s getting better at picking up the blitz and as long as either Eli Manning or Daniel Jones performs well at quarterback, he should excel once again in the passing game.
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The acquisition of right guard Kevin Zeitler, one of the premier guards in the league, from Cleveland will help bolster a Giants offensive line that struggled overall in 2018. Expect a bounce back season from left tackle Nate Solder and continued strong play from second-year guard Will Hernandez. That will only help open up some more daylight for the electrifying Barkley.
Look for another Pro Bowl season from Barkley this year. Quick prediction: Barkley finishes with 1,920 total yards from scrimmage and 14 touchdowns in all.