The truth is somewhere in the middle, but there is no argument that this feels like Christmas in March for dynasty players.
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Penn State star Saquon Barkley, the top-rated running back in the 2018 NFL Draft class, was already having an impressive performance at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
On the heels of the second-ever 0-16 season in NFL history and the worst two-year stretch the league has ever seen, the Cleveland Browns have some big decisions to make.
According to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network, Barkley can not be counted out for the Browns’ top overall pick in April’s draft.
Along with displaying a cool and calm demeanor, Barkley put up some incredible numbers.
Barkley’s combine performance placed him firmly as the best player entering the draft in the eyes of many.
A couple surprises ended up being Arizona State’s Kalen Ballage who ran a 4.46, good for third-fastest behind Barkley, with a 122-inch broad jump.
According to a report today in the Oklahoma City Oklahoman, Brown ran the 40-yard dash in an unofficial time of 5.85 seconds. His 10-yard split of 1.54 was quicker than speedster DeSean Jackson.
Barkley checked in at the combine at 6 feet and 233 pounds.
The fact of the matter here is that Cleveland would be foolish to risk losing out on their quarterback by waiting until the fourth overall pick. He would be the first running back to go No. 1 overall since the Bengals picked fellow Nittany Lion Ki-Jana Carter in 1995.
Barkley might just be that good.
The Browns did say their number one pick is available, so if the Broncos really coveted Barkley, they could trade the farm and trade up, but that’s not likely to happen.
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Pro Football Reference offered even more historical perspective: the website has combine data going back to 2000, and only one player can match or better Barkley’s output in the bench, vertical and 40 – tight end Vernon Davis, in 2006.
