New York Giants: Top 5 acquisitions based on instant impact
By Henry Buggy
#2 – RB Saquon Barkley
The Giants elected to pass on a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Instead, they took the best player in this year’s class with the intention of winning now.
The former Nittany Lions running back was human highlight reel at Penn State. He will be asked to take on a significant workload in his rookie season and will likely shine behind New York’s revamped offensive line.
Barkley showed how he can elevate an offense in the Big Ten. Despite running behind a shaky offensive line, the 6-foot, 233-pound tailback amassed 5,038 total yards and scored 51 touchdowns in just three seasons.
His incredible collegiate play has drawn comparisons with Hall of Famer Barry Sanders. He was viewed by multiple draft analysts as the best running back prospect to enter the league since Adrian Peterson.
Pro Football Focus lists him as the favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year.
The Giants have not had a 1,000-yard rusher since 2012. Expect that trend to end this upcoming season.
But what separates Barkley from other starting running backs in the league is his versatility. He not only has the power and vision to run between the tackles. He also has the ability to line up at wide receiver.
From a statistical standpoint, Barkley is likely to have the most impact of any offseason acquisition. But it’s the next player on this list who will be key to New York’s 2018 turnaround.