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Grading the top five rookie running backs drafted in 2018

By Joel Deering

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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ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 22: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants runs the ball during the second quarter against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 22, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 22: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants runs the ball during the second quarter against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 22, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

How have the rookie running backs stood out in their first NFL games?

Last week we took a look at the five first-round rookie QBs, where I gave you may analysis and grade for each rookie QB. Next, we’re taking a look at and grading the top five rookie RBs drafted in the 2018 NFL Draft. Three first-round RBs were selected, with the other two making up the top five coming in the second-round. How have each of these top five rookie RBs performed through nine weeks of the NFL season? Let’s take a look.

1. 2nd Overall Pick – Saquon Barkley – New York Giants

Games Played: 8

Games Started: 8

Rushing Stats: 111 attempts for 519 yards, an average of 4.7 yards per carry and 5 TDs.

Receiving Stats: 58 receptions for 497 yards and 2 TDs.

Analysis: When grading the top five rookie RBs from the 2018 NFL Draft, I think it’s safe to say Saquon Barkley has been the best to this point in their short careers. Barkley is the only RB among the top five to have started every game this season. After being selected second overall, we all expected that to happen.

Barkley hasn’t been the best rookie RB drafted in 2018 just because he’s started every game though. He’s also been very productive for the Giants, looking like a future NFL rushing leader and star. Could he be the next Todd Gurley?

Comparing Barkley to Gurley may seem like high praise, but he is worthy of it. In 13 games his rookie season, Gurley had 229 rushing attempts for 1,106 yards, an average of 4.8 yards per carry and 10 TDs. Gurley also added 21 receptions for 188 yards receiving.

Now compare those numbers to what Barkley has as a rookie. Barkley already has 309 more yards receiving than Gurley had his rookie year. He’s also on pace to rush for 1,038 yards this season. Only 68 yards less than Gurley. Gurley finished his rookie season with a 4.8 yards per rush average, which is 0.1 yards per rush higher than Barkley’s.

Now look at Gurley’s numbers this season. He’s had 182 rush attempts for 868 yards, an average of 4.8 yards per carry and 12 TDs. He’s also added 37 receptions for 362 yards and 4 TDs. Gurley currently has 349 more rushing yards than Barkley in one more game played, but he also has 135 less receiving yards.

We have to keep in mind that Todd Gurley is playing with Jared Goff, Brandin Cooks, a better offensive line, Sean McVay and a team full of players who have led them to an 8-1 record. Barkley has Odell Beckham Jr. After that he’s got…… Eli Manning.

If we put Saquon Barkley on the Rams, I don’t doubt he’d make the same kind of impact Todd Gurley is making for them. Barkley may be a rookie, but he’s a rookie who’s on pace to rush for 1,038 yards and add 994 receiving yards. Barkley’s got superstar written all over him.

Grade: A+

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