With The First Pick
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2018 NFL Mock Draft: Impact of recent trades and signings

By Maxwell Ogden

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Notre Dame offensive lineman Quenton Nelson speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Notre Dame offensive lineman Quenton Nelson speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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31. . Running Back. Penn State Nittany Lions. Saquon Barkley. 2. player

New York Giants fans are beginning to make it known that Saquon Barkley is their desired target in the 2018 NFL Draft. The signing of Jonathan Stewart should help New York’s run game, but the need for a true No. 1 option remains.

For as much as I love the idea of finding Eli Manning’s heir apparent at No. 2 overall, however, I can’t overlook how dynamic a pairing of Barkley and Odell Beckham Jr. would be.

I’m not enamored with any quarterback in this draft class and the Giants feel the same way. Thus, rather than reaching for a player who may not actually be the answer, New York should let its scouts do their jobs and find the best possible fit.

If that player isn’t worth the No. 2 overall selection, then the Giants should either trade down or select Barkley to complete the overnight overhaul of the offense.

With Barkley in the backfield and Beckham at wide receiver, New York could have two legitimately elite playmakers to build around. That makes a quarterback’s job significantly easier, especially when one considers that Barkley is the best runner and receiver at the running back position in this class.

I could see the Giants selecting either Sam Darnold or Josh Rosen here, but for the time being, the move is to avoid reaching and instead select a generational talent.

Just remember: No Giants running back has broken the 1,000-yard mark since 2012.

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