Why Saquon Barkley Deserves Rookie of the Year

April 26, 2018, with the second pick of the 2018 NFL draft the New York Giants select running back Saquon Barkley from Penn State.

   It was a crucial pick for the Giants who could’ve turned a new chapter in their organization drafting a quarterback. However, Big Blue decided on giving Eli a shot and snagging Saquon Barkley to be their savior on the ground to complement their air attack.

   Although the Giants are just 3-8 to start the season, Saquon has been the light in a dark tunnel. Giants’ fan Aidan Cuthbertson says, “Saquon has been the only good thing this season.”

   Saquon has produced 12 total touchdowns this season, harnessing 4 in the air and punching 8 in on the ground. In just 11 games he already has over 1300 yards from scrimmage and over 800 on the ground. Barkley is also putting up these numbers virtually by himself, running behind one of the worst ranked offensive lines in the entire league. Sophomore Mackenzie Jones says, “Saquon is doing it all alone.”

   The Giants running back is projected nearly 1,200 yards on the ground and over 850 in the air, giving Saquon a total scrimmage yard production of about 2,000 yards, joining a select company of Eric Dickerson and Edgerrin James, both notable all-pros and Dickerson a gold-jacket holder. Sophomore Chris Sheehan believes, “Saquon should be in the Pro-Bowl and probably will be a Hall-of-Famer one day.”

   Saquon has just about secured the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, with the competition playing nowhere near his level. Baker Mayfield has led the Browns to multiple wins with fellow rookie Nick Chubb. However, Mayfield has tossed seven interceptions to his 17 touchdowns, not an awful ratio but not the best either. Chubb was in the shadow of Carlos Hyde the first few weeks only totaling 148 yards in the first five weeks, before breaking out in multiple weeks, including a 176 rushing performance against the Falcons.

   Saquon Barkley has shown up to this league ready to play. Compared to rookie’s he is a man among boys. Whether you’re a Giants fan or not, you can’t help but marvel at him when he steps onto the field; he is a true class act. It is clear that he deserves OROY and will be a destructive factor for New York in the years to come.