2018 NFL Draft: Ranking the top five running backs

For as strong as this class of running backs is, there’s no question whatsoever about who’s at the front of the pack. Penn State Nittany Lions star Saquon Barkley isn’t just an intriguing prospect; he’s a franchise-level player who can revolutionize an offense.

Cut from the same cloth as a Le’Veon Bell, Ezekiel Elliott, or David Johnson type of player, Barkley is a generational talent who’s garnering Hall of Fame comparisons.

On the ground, Barkley can work between the tackles with a rare combination of vision, speed, agility, and strength. He can also break outside for a big gain and evade tacklers in the open field with any combination of finesse or power moves.

Barkley is also an elite threat through the air, as evidenced by the 54 receptions he recorded in 2017 for 632 yards and three touchdowns.

Regardless of which team he ends up with, Barkley has the skill level and physical gifts to be a force of nature. He can be a workhorse back or a contemporary playmaker, much as he can be a checkdown option or a legitimate downfield target.

There don’t seem to be any limits to what Barkley can accomplish on the field, and there’s no hyperbole to be found the in praise for him.

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Considering Saquon Barkley is the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2018 NFL Draft. it only makes sense for him to be the top-ranked running back, as well.