Ourlads' Profile:
2018 Guide: What Ourlads' NFL Scouting Services said about SAQUON BARKLEY: Penn State, 6000 233 4.41. Junior entry and two-and-a-half year starter from Coplay, PA who is respected by his teammates for his work ethic and leadership. Started six games as a true freshman. Missed two due to injury. Rushed for over 100 yards in five games his freshman year. Had a run of 56 yards against both Ohio State and Michigan. To say Barkley is just a running back is to say an AH-64 Apache Longbow Attack weapon is just a helicopter. The ex-Nittany Lion is a one-man arsenal who can tilt the balance of a game. He is a dangerous player who can take away the soft edge of a defense. Has rare speed to turn the corner and barrel up the field in the blink of an eye. Has exceptional vision inside as a gap runner. Talented enough to run around, through, or over the top of a defender. His explosive speed was showcased in the 2017 Rose Bowl where he outran USC speedster and now starting Titan corner Adoree‘ Jackson for a touchdown. Barkley was 44 pounds heavier than Jackson. The dynamic runner has made plays out of nothing for two years. With a volatile offensive line, he earned every yard. He runs the inside zone out of the spread like he invented it. Patient then to and through the crease. Will jump cut as needed. As a blocker he sets back as a search light looking for blitzes and stunts, then steps up and attacks any penetration. Head is always on a swivel. As a receiver he has the ability to line up in any position. Runs a route then catches the ball with soft natural hands. He has the ability to catch all pass routes. Excellent hand/eye coordination and production as a consistent pass receiver. He can defeat the quick jam or bump and run technique. Catches the ball with his eyes. A big game player who is durable. Reads coverage and is athletic after catch. Good ball reactions. Has the ability to get open short on ‘Texas’ pattern or long on wheel routes. Adjusts naturally to the ball in flight. He picks up speed down the field. Runs through the ball and has leaping and timing ability. A playmaker in a combative environment. For most of Barkley’s college career he would take what the defense gave him by muscling or burrowing into the line for a short gain if nothing was there, but in 2017 there were a few games where he stutter-stepped looking to create rather than take what was there and play another day. The workhorse back has exceptional contact balance. He wears down a defense as he repeatedly steps through tackles. The Penn State offense works off of Barkley. He is a broken field runner who can change direction without slowing down. A gash and dash back. Strong legs and hips. Patient as a runner then can burst through a seam and go the distance for a touchdown. He finished his career as Penn State’s all-time rushing touchdown (43) and total touchdown (53) leader. Also the all-time all-purpose yards leader with 5538 yards. Saquon Barkley is clearly the top player in this draft and if he stays healthy he will be an annual Pro Bowl player and a future NFL Hall of Famer. The minute he is drafted, Barkley will be one of the top five backs in the league. 2017 stats: 1271 yds, 5.9 ypc, 18 TD, 54 rec, 632 yds, 11.7 ypr, 3 TD, 15-426 KOR, 28.4 avg, 2 TD. OSR:1/ 29. First round. (A-31 3/8, H-9 1/2, BP-29, SS-4.24).