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NFL Power Rankings 2020: Ranking every starting running back

By Samuel Teets

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 01: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers before their game against the Washington Redskins at Bank of America Stadium on December 01, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 01: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers before their game against the Washington Redskins at Bank of America Stadium on December 01, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /
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Saquon Barkley, NFL Power Rankings (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Saquon Barkley, NFL Power Rankings (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

2. Saquon Barkley, New York Giants

After an electrifying rookie season, Barkley endured a sophomore slump. He missed three games, and New York’s offense underwent the slow transition from Eli Manning to Daniel Jones. Barkley still averaged over 110 yards from scrimmage per game, but he didn’t have the same aura of invincibility that he flashed as a rookie.

Several factors contributed to Barkley’s struggles in 2019. Besides missing time, New York’s offensive line remained incomplete. Adding Andrew Thomas in the 2020 draft should help Barkley rebound this coming fall. The transition at quarterback also played a role in Barkley’s slump. While Jones didn’t have a bad rookie season, he fumbled often and still went through the same challenges most rookie quarterbacks face.

Barkley is hardly the first superstar running back to take a step back in his second season. Todd Gurley went through a massive sophomore slump in 2016 before rebounding and winning the Offensive Player of the Year award. Ezekiel Elliott faced a six-game suspension entering his second season, which resulted in how own drop-off in production.

The Giants continue adding pieces to their offense, which makes me believe Barkley is in for a big year. In terms of talent, he’s one of the most complete running backs in the NFL. Barkley needs to improve in pass protection, but he has all of the physical traits to succeed in this area. If New York ever maximizes Barkley’s potential, he could win the league MVP.

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