New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley was one of the most explosive players in football during his rookie campaign this past season, racking up 1,307 yards and 11 touchdowns while averaging five yards per carry.

In addition, he hauled in 91 receptions for 721 yards and four scores en route to a Pro Bowl appearance and the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

However, Barkley is far from satisfied, saying that he needs to improve his leadership skills heading into next season:

“I have to grow as a leader more,” Barkley said, according to Matt Lombardo of NJ Advance Media. “Whether it’s being a vocal leader or leading by example, it’s a team effort. We have to have other players grow as leaders, continue to believe in each other.”

As for Barkley's feelings on the Odell Beckham Jr. trade?

“I was sad to see him go,” Barkley said. “But, hopefully he continues to have a great career there in Cleveland.”

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Barkley added that he spoke with Beckham over Facetime after the trade went down, where Barkley said that Beckham gave him some advice on how to handle things in the NFL.

With Beckham now playing elsewhere, Barkley will become the center of attention in the Giants' offense, so it should certainly be interesting to see how Barkley adjusts to the situation.

New York is coming off of a season in which it won just five games.

The Giants have made the playoffs just once since last winning the Super Bowl during the 2011-12 campaign.