2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report: RB Saquon Barkley

Height: 6’0”

Weight: 233

Age: 21

School: Penn State

 

40-yard dash: 4.40 sec.

Vertical: 41.0”

Broad: DNP

Bench: 29 reps

3-cone: DNP

 

Strengths

Rare combination of strength and speed. Elite runner both between the tackles and outside the tackles. Almost impossible to bring down because of his power and quickness in the open field. Top-notch acceleration. Extremely elusive. Compact build that will shed arm tackles. Tremendous balance, vision, and patience. Uncanny ability to make defenders miss when they get penetration. Has the size and toughness to convert in short-yardage situations. Natural receiver with soft hands. Runs crisp, deceptive routes from the backfield or out wide. Mismatch nightmare for linebackers and safeties. Willing and effective pass blocker. Legendary work ethic. Culture-changing talent and person. Basically the perfect prospect.

 

Weaknesses

Can look for the big play if holes aren’t opening up. Expectations couldn’t be any higher.

 

NFL comparisons

David Johnson – Barry Sanders – Matt Forte

 

Conclusion

A once-in-a-lifetime prospect, Saquon Barkley is the ideal face of a franchise both on and off the field. He has a chance to be not only the best running back in the league, but also one of the top-five overall players in the NFL as soon as 2018. I expect him to be completely dominant for the next decade.