This Saquon Barkley preview is part of a series of previews of the 2017 college football season. These previews aim to provide for scouting prospects in the 2018 rookie draft.
2016 Film Review
Barkley had 272 carries, 1,496 yards, and 18 touchdowns in 2016 for Penn State. Barkley is an imaginative runner capable of stringing together multiple moves in quick succession that make opposing defenders miss. He is capable of runs to the outside to avoid interior penetration that often stuffed interior runs. He uses multiple cuts, stiff arms, and spins to make defenders miss.
Barkley also caught 28 passes for 404 yards and 4 touchdowns. As a receiver, Barkley is capable of catching the ball away from his body, but double catches and some bobbles on tape suggest he does not have the most natural hands. His 14.4 yards per reception may be the best statistical demonstration of his dangerous abilities in the open field. He is a threat to score every time he touches the ball.
Barkley was used as a three down back, and saw work both at the goal line and in pass protection. Barkley can run through contact at the second level but is more of a make you miss back than a run through you back. This is evident at the goal line where he has a knack for elevating over the line and running low through holes.
Workhorse Matrix Grade: 9
Barkley is capable of being a long-term starter in the NFL. At 5’11” and 223 pounds, Barkley has a Katie Flower approved lower half. His workout regime is well-regarded.
Barkley’s style can be lateral at times in a LeSean McCoy-type way. He can string multiple moves together in a backfield with the aim of beating interior pressure to the perimeter and has the burst and quickness to be successful.
2017 Preview
Barkley is a very well-regarded back for good reason. However, his game log may surprise casual observers. While averaging 5.5 yards per carry, Barkley rushed for over 100 yards in only five of his fourteen games in 2016. In the 9 games he failed to break the century mark, he had double-digit carries in all but one.
The hit and miss nature of his stat line is likely a result of offensive line play. There were stretches of games where Barkley was taking handoffs with penetration already in his face. Barkley was also used on inside zone and power plays at a high rate for as dynamic as he is in space. If given more opportunities in space and with improved interior line play, Barkley could produce prolific numbers.
Barkley is a very knowledgeable pass protector capable of reading across the formation and seeing exotic corner blitzes. One area he can improve is to attack the defender by delivering a punch. He too often tries to catch defenders into his body instead of aggressively using his hands to deliver power at the defender. If he becomes more powerful and aggressive with his hands, he can be a fully capable pass blocker in the NFL.
Bottom Line
Barkley is a dynamic offensive threat. He has the talent to be the first running back drafted in the NFL draft on day one. He is likely a top 3 rookie pick come May and has an all-around game to justify the pick.
