Washington Redskins running back Adrian Peterson is a shoo-in Hall of Famer and despite an injury-riddled career, is arguably one of the greatest at his position in the history of football.
As one of the best of all time, Peterson is capable of recognizing similar talent, and what he sees in New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley is an elite talent comparable to that of Barry Sanders, Jim Brown, Walter Payton and Emmitt Smith.
In fact, Peterson says, Barkley could very well end his career as the single most dominant running back ever.
“Oh, man. You know, tremendous ability. Great vision. Great feet. He’s like the perfect sized running back. I feel like he has great qualities and has the talent to go along with it,” Peterson told NFL Films. “God willing he stays healthy. I don’t think he realizes yet how dominant he can be.
“He has the ability to be the best back to play the game.”
Peterson’s comments come from the NFL’s Top 100, which will premiere on NFL Network on July 22.
Although we don’t know where Barkley will debut on the list, you can bet it’ll be high after a rookie season in which he amassed 2,000 yards from scrimmage, was named to the Pro Bowl, earned first-team All-Pro honors and was named 2018 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Barkley is just beginning to scratch the surface of his potential, so it’ll be a joy for all of us, Peterson included, to see just how high he can fly in the coming years.
