With The First Pick
Fansided

Saquon Barkley, Penn State: 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Jon Dove

Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) is defended by USC Trojans linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (42) in the second quarter during the 103rd Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl. USC defeated Penn State 52-49 in the highest scoring game in Rose Bowl history. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) is defended by USC Trojans linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (42) in the second quarter during the 103rd Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl. USC defeated Penn State 52-49 in the highest scoring game in Rose Bowl history. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Penn State’s Saquon Barkley is a dynamic offensive weapon who should be one of the first 10 names called in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Saquon Barkley has a rare combination of size, speed and lateral quickness. He’s the type of runner who can beat you with speed and power. Barkley skill set and durability makes him a true every-down back. His future in the NFL is extremely bright.

Barkley’s quick-twitch ability allows him to press the line and quickly get through the hole. He possesses excellent vision that extends to the second level. Once he gets past the line of scrimmage, Barkley is a threat to score.

More from With the First Pick

His speed allows him to attack the edge and outpace defensive angles. He also has the change of direction ability to make seamless cuts in the hole. Barkley has a knack for picking his way through traffic as he works down field.

The fact that he also has the power to run through defenders makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Barkley is an asset in the passing game where he shows good hands, route-running and the ability to create in space. Penn State often asked Barkley to run option routes and wheels out of the backfield. Basically, it’s the job of the offensive coordinator to get the ball in Barkley’s hands as much as possible.

The one area of his game that needs work is pass protection. Barkley tends to throw a shoulder at the blocker or hesitate to attack. He has the size and strength to be a good pass protector, but needs to show more effort.

Overall, Barkley is an elite athlete who should come off the board inside the top-10 picks. He’s a home run threat who can also carry the load. This is one of the more dynamic offensive players to come along in a while.

Home/NFL Draft News