Following a strong showing at the NFL Scouting Combine this past week, former Penn State running back Saquon Barkley has further strengthened his stock in the 2018 NFL Draft. He has also cemented the recognition as being arguably the best all-around talent in this year's class that could have him in the running to be selected with the first overall pick.
Barkley has demonstrated to have all the physical traits paired with the skill set that could help him find much success at the next level. According to Peter King of Monday Morning Quarterback, New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton has voiced that he believes the 21-year-old is the best running back prospect that he has seen in quite some time.
The fact that Payton has spoken that highly of Barkley's talent accentuates the massive potential that he has to become a star running back at the next level. He put his unique physical traits on display during the combine running a 4.40 40-yard dash, jumping to a 41.0 vertical, and lifting 29 reps in the bench press.
Barkley is also coming off a stellar collegiate career where he rushed for more than 1,000 yards while breaking more than 1,200 rushing yards with 18 touchdowns in each of the last two seasons. He set school records with 43 career rushing touchdowns, 1,076 rushing yards as a freshman, and the single-game record of 358 total yards.
Beyond that, he also has the tools to be a complete every-down running back in the NFL as a strong asset in both the running and passing game. He has the ability to greatly impact the game whenever he is on the field and could quickly become a franchise cornerstone for whatever franchise takes him in this year's draft.
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