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Todd McShay Now Rates Saquon Barkley As Top Draft Prospect

Although the scene is set for the Super Bowl, it’s never too early to start thinking about where college football’s top player might land in the 2018 NFL Draft. In his most recent board, listing the top 25 prospects, ESPN analyst Todd McShay has updated his list featuring running back Saquon Barkley at number one.

McShay gives Barkley a 95 overall rating, moving him up to the top spot. USC quarterback Sam Darnold is a point behind Barkley in second.

The Cleveland Browns, who hold the first and fourth pick in this year’s draft, have been seriously considering selecting Barkley with one of their picks to pair with a quarterback. Although the team already boasts capable running backs in Duke Johnson Jr. and Isaiah Crowell, McShay believes that Barkley is a can’t-miss talent.

“There just aren’t many 230-plus pound backs with his feet and acceleration,” McShay said. “Barkley is also a three-down back with solid hands as a receiver and above-average blocking skills in pass protection. Making it an even easier evaluation is the fact that Barkley is a driven competitor with very good leadership skills and no off-the-field issues. This guy is clean and complete as they come.”

Barkley has drawn comparisons to recent success stories such as Ezekiel Elliott, Todd Gurley, and Leonard Fournette. We’ll see if Barkley can duplicate these guys’ success when he heads to Arlington, TX on April 26. The draft will be broadcasted on ESPN and NFL Network.

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About the Author

Austin Smith

Austin Smith is a junior broadcast journalism major. He grew up in New Jersey and is a writer for Onward State. He specializes in football, basketball, and the New York Knicks.

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