Many would argue that New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley is already one of the best all-around players in the NFL, so it should come as little surprise that ESPN recently listed him as the best 22-year-old in the league.
Kevin Seifert of NFL Nation, while breaking down the best player at every age, gave Barkley the nod over Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward.
Age 22: Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants
Clay’s 2019 projection: 2,060 scrimmage yards, 13 touchdowns
Signed through: 2022After leading the NFL with 2,028 yards from scrimmage in 2018, Barkley will enter his second season in the MVP discussion. The Giants’ decision to move on from wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and the looming quarterback transition from Eli Manning to Daniel Jones leave Barkley as the every-down anchor of their offense. He touched the ball 352 times last season. Is there any doubt he’ll surpass 400 in 2019? (To answer the inevitable question: The NFL’s post-merger record for touches in a 16-game season is 492, by the Buccaneers’ James Wilder in 1984, as a 26-year-old.)
Runners-up: Browns cornerback Denzel Ward made the Pro Bowl as a rookie after intercepting three passes in 13 games, and he’ll enter 2019 with a chance to prove he is a genuine No. 1 cornerback.
Barkley taking this spot is as obvious as someone claiming water is wet, but Giants fans will never tire of hearing praise for their superstar running back.
In 2019, Barkley will take over as the focal point of the team’s offense and the face of the franchise moving forward.
