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NFL Draft: Re-grading every first round pick from the 2018 NFL Draft

By Hans Themistode

Oct 4, 2020; Arlington, Texas, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws a pass in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2020; Arlington, Texas, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws a pass in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Saquon Barkley
Saquon Barkley (Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports) /

New York Giants. Saquon Barkley. 2. player. 31. . RB

NFL Draft: Re-grading every first round pick from the 2018 NFL Draft: Number 2 overall, RB Saquon Barkley

There was a bit of trepidation once the New York Giants took running back Saquon Barkley with the second overall pick. It had nothing to do with his talent but more so with his position. Usually, teams would rather wait until the back end of a draft to pick up a running back. Their primes are short-lived and their production can be replicated to a certain extent by third and fourth-rounders.

With that said, Barkley was simply too good to pass up on. Those who were dubious to his selection quickly zipped their lips as he began running through, around, and sometimes even over defenders. Barkley had a monster year, rushing for 1,307 yards and leading the league in all-purpose yards with 2028. Unsurprisingly, he was given a Pro Bowl nod.

Year two was a bit more strenuous as defenses began keying in on him and ignoring the Giants passing game. Still, behind a horrific offensive line and battling numerous injuries, Barkley ran for over a thousand yards. He couldn’t keep his momentum going in year three as he tore his ACL in the second game of the season.

All signs point to him coming back strong to start year four. If his body can hold up, he’ll regain his spot near the top of the all-purpose charts but if it continues to fail him, his time in New York could become truncated. We’ll give him a high grade because he’s been so electric but he needs to stay healthy to maintain the high mark.

Grade: B

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