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New York Giants: Saquon Barkley training with Ezekiel Elliot is strange but beneficial

By Mike Esposito

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: Saquon Barkley of Penn State poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #2 overall by the New York Giants during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: Saquon Barkley of Penn State poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #2 overall by the New York Giants during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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It may turn a few heads but Saquon Barkley’s month with Ezekiel Elliot could pay huge dividends for the New York Giants’ rookie running back.

The dead period between minicamp and the start of training camp is in full swing.  However, that doesn’t mean that players aren’t prepping for the upcoming season.

New York Giants rookie running back Saquon Barkley plans to workout with teammates Odell Beckham Jr. and Sterling Shepard in Los Angeles this July.

Keeping in shape is a great move by the rookie and says a lot about his attitude. But, it’s his final training partner that’s raising the eyebrows of several Giants fans. 

According to Dan Duggan, Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott will join Barkley and company in LA. So, Giants players training with a member of a hated division rival?

Seems like sacrilege to a fan base. However, players from rival teams working together is common practice in today’s world of sports.

Sure, some fans yearn for the days when opponents absolutely hated one another, and understandably so.

For example, New York’s disdain for John Rocker, Richard Sherman versus Michael Crabtree and Michael Jordan’s hatred of Isiah Thomas, only added more fuel to team rivalries and made for such compelling drama that even the most fickle of sports fans would tune in.

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Personally, as both a fan and writer, I love to see that kind of animosity in sports. It makes for good theater and gives plenty of material to write about.

However, the opportunity to train with and learn from one of the best players at his position is something Barkley shouldn’t pass up.

Observing Elliott’s work ethic, approach to the game and understanding of the running back position could expedite Barkley’s adjustment to NFL. However, working with Dallas’ First-Team All-Pro runner could help Barkley in a more important way.

Elliott has been in Barkley’s position before. Like the Giants’ rookie tailback, Elliott was a top-five draft pick with high expectations going into his first year.

Considering his experience with Barkley’s current situation, Elliott could give the Giants rookie the guidance needed to deal with the pressure put on him so early in his career.

Will Elliott’s advice make Barkley follow in his footsteps and earn All-Pro honors next season?

It’s unlikely, but it’ll definitely help him stay focused and brush off any criticism he may receive. Especially since New York is the largest and arguably the toughest, media market in the country.  

It’s possible that a friendship could develop between the two as they workout together. But, fans shouldn’t worry if something like that happens.

Next: Will Giants Fans Ever be Ready for Davis Webb?

So, if we’ve learned anything about Barkley this offseason, it’s that he’s a competitor first and foremost. As soon as he steps on the field, all bets are off.

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