2018 NFL Mock Draft: Sean Dyer’s First-Round Mock 1.0
By Sean Dyer
RB. 31. Pick Analysis. Penn State. Saquon Barkley. 2. player. Scouting Report
The New York Giants could opt for their future quarterback here as well. They have Eli Manning but for how many more years? Well, new head coach Pat Shurmur believes Eli has multiple years left as a starting NFL quarterback. Shurmur also likes what he’s seen from Davis Webb.
With quarterback seeming unlikely for Big Blue, the No. 2 pick comes down to three options: Saquon Barkley, Quenton Nelson, or trade back. Since we’re not implementing trades in this NFL mock draft, it’s between Barkley and Nelson.
Nelson would combine with newly-acquired Nate Solder to make the left side of the Giants offensive line one of the strongest in the league. However, after using a majority of his cap space to improve the offensive line, I’m not sure Dave Gettleman will also use his top draft pick in the trenches (even though he loves his hog mollies).
Adding Barkley to an offense that already features Odell Beckham Jr., Sterling Shepard, and Evan Engram (and Brandon Marshall for now) would be dangerous for opposing defenses. With weapons like that, maybe Manning could stick around for another couple of years.
The Giants did sign Jonathan Stewart but that will not stop them from adding a talent like Barkley. Barkley is the complete package. He can run the ball inside and outside of the tackles, catch the ball out of the backfield, return kicks, and he’s a great leader on and off the field.
The consensus top prospect in this year’s draft, Barkley would bring a positive change to Big Blue both on the field and in the locker room.