New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley finished his rookie campaign with 2,028 yards from scrimmage, which was just enough to edge out Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (2,001) for the league lead.
Now going into his sophomore year, Barkley is expected to see an increased offensive role, potentially boosting that number to even more significant heights.
Accordingly, Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report projects that while Barkley will not lead the league in rushing in 2019, he will once again lead the league in yards from scrimmage.
Yards from Scrimmage: Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
Running back Saquon Barkley became a focal point of the offense even before the Giants traded wideout Odell Beckham Jr. to the Cleveland Browns. Barkley was named Offensive Rookie of the Year and led the league in yards from scrimmage with 2,028.
The Giants signed wide receiver Golden Tate to replace Beckham, but quarterback Eli Manning’s arm remains questionable going into his age-38 term. Furthermore, rookie Daniel Jones could start at some point in the upcoming campaign if Big Blue’s passing offense goes through early rough patches. He would probably lean on the ground attack and short passes before finding his groove in the offense.
New York also should field an improved offensive line, which bodes well for Barkley.
In 2018, the Giants offensive line ranked 29th in adjusted line yards (3.90), per Football Outsiders. General manager Dave Gettleman acquired Kevin Zeitler, a durable right guard, and patched up the right tackle spot with eighth-year veteran Mike Remmers.
Though it’s a lofty prediction, Barkley could rack up 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards if Manning prefers to throw short or head coach Pat Shurmur goes conservative with his rookie replacement.
Barkley’s projected total: 2,045 yards from scrimmage
Runner-up: Melvin Gordon, Los Angeles Chargers
Although Moton projects Barkley to lead the league in yards from scrimmage, he gives the running back only a minimal boost of 17 yards total.
The more likely scenario is that Barkley sees an uptick in both rushing yards and receiving yards, potentially finishing out the year with 1,500/1,000 and cracks that 2,500-yard barrier.
