2018 NFL Draft first round re-draft: What changes one year later?

2. New York Giants: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State

Original Pick: Saquon Barkley

One of the most electrifying players in the league last season was none other than second overall pick, Saquon Barkley. Barkley was regarded by many as one of the best prospects they had ever seen when entering the draft prior to last season. The consensus was that Barkley would be a sure-fire star in the NFL, but many questioned just how high a running back should be drafted in today’s NFL.

This was the first time since 2006 when Reggie Bush was selected 2nd overall by the New Orleans Saints, that a running back was taken in the top two picks of the NFL Draft. But Saquon proved his worth.

Many people questioned the Giants decision to pass on a chance to draft their next franchise quarterback to replace Eli Manning in the near future. But as it turned out, the only QB that clearly proved to be that type of franchise-changer went first. A couple of other quarterbacks from this draft showed a lot of promise, but not enough to change the selection.

Of course, with the Giants needing to add talent across their roster, they could have opted for a player at a number of different positions. Perhaps one of the First Team All-Pros or a different Pro Bowler. But the regime clearly believed in Barkley’s talent enough to take him this early, and he certainly did nothing to prove them wrong, totaling over 2,000 all-purpose yards, scoring 15 touchdowns, and not fumbling the ball once, according to Pro Football Reference.

Barkley was voted to the Pro Bowl himself and was named 2018 NFL AP Offensive Rookie of the Year. Losing their other big-time offensive playmaker this offseason, the Giants will have to lean heavily on Barkley in the years to come if they want to become relevant once again in the NFC.