Inside the Iggles
FanSided

2018 NFL Draft Prospects: Eagles must keep an eye on Saquon Barkley

By Malcolm Davis

Nov 26, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs on the field during the first quarter against the Michigan State Spartans at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Michigan State 45-12. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs on the field during the first quarter against the Michigan State Spartans at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Michigan State 45-12. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Saquon Barkley is a solid fit for the Eagles, with the skills to play on all three downs.

Even with LeGarrette Blount freshly added to the Philadelphia Eagles’ roster on a one-year deal, running back is still an area of concern long-term. As much as I like Donnel Pumphrey, it remains to be seen if he or Wendell Smallwood can actually produce steadily at an NFL level.

Over the next several weeks I will cover a different running back prospect that fits with Philadelphia’s offensive scheme. This Top 5 list is not necessarily a reflection of the 5 best running backs in college football, but more a reflection of fit.

Saquon Barkley is as talented a runner as there is in college football and has the ability to contribute to an offense on all three downs. While he isn’t a perfect back, he is a well-developed one that has what it takes to boost any NFL offense. It’s easy to understand why Barkley is regarded as the crown jewel of the running back class for the 2018 NFL Draft. He’s racked up over 3,100 total yards and 30 total touchdowns during his two years in Happy Valley and is dripping with elite NFL potential. Barkley is the most obvious starting point for covering the 2018 running backs, and he’s where I’ll begin my prospect film dive.

Saquon Barkley: 5’11, 223 pounds

Games watched: 5 (Michigan, USC, Ohio St, Wisconsin, Maryland)

Strengths:

  • Speed
  • Vision/Agility
  • Receiving
  • Balance

Barkley is not to be confused with a track star, but has good speed for his size. He can reach the edge and turn the corner. When he hits the hole clean, he can reach the second level in a hurry.

Barkley recognizes the hole and attacks with his speed and agility to rack up chunk yardage. His ability to quickly diagnose the hole and get through it or bounce the run is what makes him special.
Barkley recognizes the hole and attacks with his speed and agility to rack up chunk yardage. His ability to quickly diagnose the hole and get through it or bounce the run is what makes him special. /

Barkley is a solid receiver with passing game chops. He has the upside of a three-down back who can make consistent plays in the passing game. Here, Barkley easily beats the defender on a wheel route for the touch down:

Barkley has really good balance for a back his size. He’s able to recover after breaking a tackle, has a strong lower body and uses his hands/arms to regain his balance.

Barkley is an all-around back that gives you everything you look for from your RB1. He can run between the tackles, beat defenders outside, catch and score touchdowns from anywhere on the field.

He isn’t necessarily elite at any one thing, though I’d argue his vision and balance are already NFL quality. With a chance to put even more elite play on tape, Barkley has a chance to solidify himself as the top back in a class filled with talent.

Weaknesses:

  • Blocking
  • Ankle Injuries

Barkley is just an adequate pass blocker and needs to improve in this area to become a complete back. He makes an effort but lacks refined technique, which hurts him.

Barkley isn’t necessarily prone to injury, but he has suffered through ankle injuries during both the 2015 and 2016 seasons. Again, this isn’t something to be worried about, but on tape you see defenders go low on Barkley quite often.

With Barkley’s lower body strength and thick build, NFL defenders will continue to attack Barkley at his weakest point. If Barkley can play every game in 2017, and avoid ankle/lower leg injuries, he will be a no-brainer as the top RB prospect.

Verdict: First-round pick (Top 15 player)

Barkley is worth all of the preseason hype and is clearly a top 15-20 player in college football. He has all of the prerequisite skills to succeed in the NFL and would be an excellent addition to the Philadelphia Eagles backfield. Barkley can run, catch, and is a willing blocker, putting him in position to be a lead back even in a rotation.

Barkley still has work to do and will need a big 2017 season, combine workout and pro day to solidify himself as a blue chip prospect and a sure-fire first rounder.

I don’t buy the perception of devaluing running backs, even though that might be popular opinion. If Barkley is on the board for Howie Roseman and Joe Douglas during the 2018 NFL Draft, it’ll be hard to pass him over.

Pro Comparison: More athletic Knowshon Moreno

Knowshon Moreno was a phenomenal high school back in the state of New Jersey and took his talents to the SEC and the University of Georgia. In two years at Georgia, Moreno racked up over 2,700 total rushing yards, tacking on another 53 receptions for 645 receiving yards.

More from Inside the Iggles

He displayed excellent vision, balance and the speed to pick up big plays in the run or pass game. Moreno’s overall versatility made him a coveted commodity in the NFL scouting community, with Moreno projected to be a first-round pick.

After being selected No. 12 overall in the 2009 NFL Draft, Moreno made a name for himself his rookie season, totaling 947 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns.

In 2013, Moreno finally cracked the 1,000-yard mark, totaling 1,038 yards on the season. Further proving his passing game prowess, Moreno also added on 60 catches in 2013 for 548 receiving yards and three scores.

Knee injuries unfortunately derailed Moreno’s career, limiting him to 63 total games in six seasons.

In his career, Moreno totaled 3,616 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns, averaging 4.1 career yards per carry. He also added another 158 career receptions for 1,409 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.

While some of you may not be thrilled by the Moreno comparison, it’s in fact a compliment considering Moreno was held in such high regard pre-injury. Barkley (5’11″/223 pounds) and Moreno (5’11″/219 pounds) have similar builds and rugged yet finesse running styles.

Barkley has the ability to be a much steadier contributor in the NFL, though, as long as he can avoid the injuries that sapped Moreno of his explosion. Barkley is a steady contributor in the running game, and can take screen passes and short dump offs for big gains. Barkley will test better than Moreno and is a better overall athlete. But when you put on the tape, their similarities jump out at you.

Home/Eagles Draft