New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley was one of the best in the business in 2018, rushing for 1,307 yards and 11 touchdowns while leading the NFL with 2,028 yards from scrimmage.
Barkley still had an excellent year in 2019, going for over 1,000 yards on the ground and averaging 4.6 yards per carry. But he also missed three games and–at times–seemed to lack the burst he showcased during his rookie year.
Barkley's slight regression seemed to reinvigorate the notion that Giants General Manager Dave Gettleman should not have selected a running back with the second overall pick. Some New York fans were also displeased with New York's decision to select Daniel Jones with their first pick in 2019.
Gettleman was recently captured via photograph with a rather scant draft setup as coaches and front offices prepare to handle proceedings remotely, which further sparked scrutiny on social media.
But Barkley defended Gettleman's drafting decisions in an interview with Draft Wire' Justin Melo (via John Fennelly of USA TODAY):
“I’ve seen some of that on social media. I don’t really know,” laughed Barkley when asked if Gettleman is really a tech genius and is fooling everyone. “He drafted Daniel Jones and I. I think he’s done a great job so far with all of his draft picks.”
The Giants won one less game in 2019, though rookies like Darius Slayton emerged as bright spots, while Jones also flashed occasional glimpses of his potential.
New York has the No. 4 pick in the 2020 draft, though it remains to be seen whether they will keep the pick or look to trade back. Gettleman figures to address the offensive line and look to upgrade the defensive unit.
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