Running backs aren’t often selected in the top five of the NFL Draft, but the New York Giants aren’t opposed to taking Saquon Barkley at No. 2 overall.
The New York Giants are in possession of the No. 2 overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft. For a franchise that already has Odell Beckham Jr. and a $200 million defense, that provides a unique opportunity to execute an immediate turnaround.
While most are of the belief that the Giants should find the quarterback of the future, the front office isn’t afraid to target the backfield.
Running backs are often labeled as non-essential players who aren’t worth such high draft picks. Based on the pass-heavy nature of the modern NFL, it’s a somewhat understandable position when one evaluates how past Super Bowl champions have simply plugged in quality options.
According to Ralph Vacchiano of SNY, however, Giants general manager Dave Gettleman scoffed at the idea that top running back prospect Saquon Barkley is out of the question at No. 2 overall because of the position he plays.
New York is looking for greatness at the 2018 NFL Draft—no matter the position it comes from.
"“The bottom line is: Is the guy a football player?” Gettleman said at the NFL scouting combine on Wednesday. “This whole myth of devaluing running backs, I find it kind of comical. At the end of the day, if he’s a great player, he’s a great player. It doesn’t matter what position he is.”"
Head coach Pat Shurmur didn’t echo the sentiment outright, but he made it clear that a dynamic running back could bridge the gap between the 1-1A situation that he’s searching for.
"“The best scenario at running back is when you kind of have a 1-1A deal,” he said. “And as the play caller you can’t be worried about what plays you call because ‘Oh, this guy can catch’ or ‘Oh, this guy can only run the ball’ because you know what? The defense knows all that, too. So you’ve got to have a guy in my opinion at running back that’s a multi-dimensional guy.”"
In other words: New York would prefer to have two quality running backs in a steady rotation, but wouldn’t shy away from a generational talent at the position.
If the Giants are looking for a running back who can do a bit of everything, then Barkley certainly fits the bill. He finished the 2017 campaign with 1,271 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns, as well as 54 receptions for 632 yards and three scores.
Beyond the numbers, Barkley has the ability to run between the tackles, bounce outside and turn upfield, and operate as a versatile receiving option.
Whether Barkley is targeted in the flat or asked to line up in the slot, the options are limitless with the most complete offensive player in this draft class.
For the Giants, improving the rushing attack should be a top priority. New York ranked No. 26 in rushing yards in 2017 and No. 29 in 2016, which was due as much to the porous offensive line as it was the lack of talent at running back.
With Barkley in the backfield and Beckham at wide receiver, the Giants would immediately transform the offense into a potential juggernaut.
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There’s no guaranteeing that the New York Giants will select Saquon Barkley at No. 2 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, but the option will be weighed and considered..