Once upon a time, Maurice Jones-Drew could have staked a claim to the title of “NFL’s best running back,” but now the retired three-time Pro Bowler is pounding that drum on behalf of New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley.
Jones-Drew recently broke down his personal list of the league’s top running backs, and resting right at the top was Barkley, who drew strong support from MJD.
Barkley’s rookie campaign speaks for itself,” Jones-Drew said. “He totaled a league-high 2,028 scrimmage yards and topped off his first season with the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Barkley is the undisputed focal point of the offense now that Odell Beckham Jr. is in Cleveland. The uber-talented second-year pro should have another tremendous year with an improved offensive line blocking for him.”
The top five of MJD’s rankings shook out as follows:
- Barkley
- Alvin Kamara (New Orleans Saints)
- Le’Veon Bell (New York Jets)
- Ezekiel Elliott (Dallas Cowboys)
- Christian McCaffrey (Carolina Panthers)
Interestingly, Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley checked in at No. 6 overall, which will surely raise eyebrows for some.
Either way, the legend that is Saquon Barkley continues to grow and justifiably so. It’s exciting to think about what he’ll accomplish in Year 2.
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