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2018 NFL Draft: Cleveland Browns eyeing Saquon Barkley at No. 1

By Maxwell Ogden

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates with after scoring on a 92 yard touchdown rush against the Washington Huskies during the first half of the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates with after scoring on a 92 yard touchdown rush against the Washington Huskies during the first half of the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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The Cleveland Browns are in possession of the No. 1 overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft. Saquon Barkley has reportedly become an option at No. 1.

The Cleveland Browns are in a position to make an immediate leap to relevance in 2018. Cleveland currently has more cap space than any other team, as well as the No. 1, No. 4, No. 33, and No. 35 overall selections in the NFL Draft.

As Cleveland weighs its options at No. 1 overall, the generational talent of the 2018 NFL Draft appears to be surfacing as a viable option.

The working theory around the NFL is that Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley has the tools for greatness. NFL.com compared Barkley to Barry Sanders, and against all odds, few have disputed the claim.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, the Browns are coming around to the possibility of selecting Barkley at No. 1 overall.

Based on everything that Barkley did in college and at the Scouting Combine, it’s far from surprising that he’s achieved such status and clout.

The running back position has been devalued in recent years, due in large part to the pass-heavy nature of the modern NFL. It certainly doesn’t help the running backs with a Round 1 grade that three of the top four leaders in rushing yards in 2017 were drafted in the second round or later.

The difference between Barkley and other running backs, however, is that he’s widely regarded as the type of can’t-miss talent who can change the culture.

There are certainly reasons to be skeptical of drafting a running back, but when a generational talent is on the board, it’s fair to invest in their potential.

For Cleveland, the need for a quarterback is equalled by the fact that it received dreadful production from the skill positions in 2018. Only one player accounted for more than 34 receptions or 396 receiving yards, and free agent Isaiah Crowell led the Browns with 853 rushing yards.

Due to Barkley’s versatile nature as a stellar runner and a productive receiving threat, it stands to reason that he could bridge the gap and save Cleveland’s offense in both regards.

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The question is: Will the Cleveland Browns actually pull the trigger on selecting Saquon Barkley at No. 1 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft?

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