Friday, March 02, 2018

How High Will Saquon Barkley Get Drafted?

Posted by Doc Fantasy
Friday, March 02, 2018 | 0 comments

There was little doubt that Saquon Barkley would be anything but the top running back in the 2018 NFL Draft RB class, but after an impressive performance at the NFL Combine, people are starting to question whether or not he is the best player in the entire draft, and arguably deserves to be the first overall pick.

The 6-foot, 233-pound, Penn State running back ran an official time of 4.40 seconds in the 40-yard dash at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Friday. It was the second quickest run behind N.C. State’s Nyheim Hines, who posted a 4.38. However, Barkley’s 40-time isn’t the only impressive number. He’s stronger than Joe Thomas, quicker than DeSean Jackson, faster than Devin Hester and jumps higher than Julio Jones.

The Cleveland Browns currently hold the first overall pick and rumor has it, they aren’t crazy about any of the top quarterbacks.

Currently, there isn’t a sportsBook or online casino offering NFL Draft odds on what the Browns will do with their first or fourth overall pick yet, however, I’m starting to think if odds we’re created for Saquon Barkley to be go first overall, they wouldn’t such a long shot.

NFL Combine Comparison
Bench Press
Saquon Barkley	29 Reps
Joe Thomas	28 Reps
10 -Yard Split
Saquon Barkley	1.54 seconds
DeSean Jackson	1.55 seconds
40 – Yard Dash
Saquon Barkley	4.40 seconds
Devin Hester	4.43 seconds
Vertical Jump
Saquon Barkley	41″
Julio Jones	38 1/2″

Would The Browns Really Take Saquon Barkley First Overall?

Normally, I would say no, we all would. The shelf life of an NFL running back is nowhere near as long as a Quarterback or offensive/defensive lineman. In fact, the running back position may just be the least valuable investment pick in the draft. According to the NFL Players Association, the average career length is about 3.3 years. The NFL claims that the average career is about 6 years (for players who make a club’s opening day roster in their rookie season). Players with at least one Pro Bowl appearance usually have the longest career of all NFL players.

Call me crazy, but the main reason why I’m starting to think the Browns could actually shock the football world by taking Barkley as the first overall pick is that fact they hold the fourth overall pick as well.

The goal for the Browns should be to walk away with two elite players first and fourth overall, regardless of position. This team has burned through so many draft picks over the years, that trusting a “safe pick” or “smart pick” is out of the question at this point. They passed on Carson Wentz in 2016 trading the pick to the Eagles and just recently Deshaun Watson at last years NFL Draft. The trade with the Texans is how the Browns have the 4th overall pick this year.

My Thoughts

If the rumor is true and the Browns don’t love any other these quarterbacks than let fate decide for you. Take Saquon Barkley first overall and choose the best QB with the fourth overall pick. At this point, I really don’t think Barkley falls past the Giants or Colts, who both need a running back. Remember Ezekiel Elliott was taken 4th overall, and his comparison to Barkley is extremely close.

The Clevland Browns desperately need a playmaker that will sell jersey’s and build hype to this dreadful franchise. Players only sign with the Browns cause they know the team is desperate and willing to overpay. Nobody comes to the Browns to win, nobody comes to the Browns cause they want to be apart of the culture. That needs to change. You need a playmaker that will get the fans and the players excited. Usually, this sort of franchise player is a quarterback, but this draft doesn’t seem to have one. So take the next best thing. The best part of this draft strategy is the team could get lucky with the 4th pick and land a great QB as well.

2018 NFL Draft Order

Cleveland Browns
New York Giants
Indianapolis Colts
Cleveland Browns (via Texans)
Denver Broncos
New York Jets
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Chicago Bears
San Francisco 49ers
Oakland Raiders

– Check out our latest Mock Draft Here

Of course, the Browns have screwed up just about every draft I can think of, so nothing would surprise me more than passing on Saquon Barkley for a Quarterback and the Giants turn their team around with Barkley selecting him 2nd overall. Regardless, I can’t see Barkley making to Cleveland at pick 4.