On our next stop of Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft profiles takes us to Penn State. We look at this year’s potential top overall prospect, running back Saquon Barkley.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers still hold the seventh spot in this years draft. With the possibilities of quarterbacks going right above them the Bucs could be given a gift. A gift they haven’t had in a long time, an All-Pro caliber running back. This year’s crop is very deep but the best stands out for a reason. Penn States Saquon Barkley is an all-purpose back who can play every down for the Bucs.
Saquon Barkley, no relation to Charles Barkley, has been widely considered as one of the best running back prospects to enter the draft since Adrian Peterson. The Buccaneers thought they had something with Doug Martin after two strong seasons but that clearly fell apart leading to his release this off-season. The Buccaneers currently have Peyton Barber and Jacquizz Rodgers as their backs but they really need to improve if they want to make the playoffs for the first time in ten years. Could Saquon Barkley be that guy, let’s look at his career to see if he would fit with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Saquon Barkley Collegiate Career
Barkley is the best running back prospect in this draft for many reasons. His versatility as a pass catcher and elusive speed as a runner make him an excellent NFL caliber player. Barkley was a four-star recruit out of high school but made a presence at Penn State immediately getting playing time as a true freshman. He ran for 194 yards against Ohio State who was the number one ranked team at the time. Finishing his freshman campaign with 1,076 yards, a Penn State freshman record, and seven touchdowns, Barkley made the second-team All-Big Ten and was the Freshman of the year.
As a sophomore Barkley continued to shine as a runner. While Penn State struggled as a whole on offense, Saquon was the lone constant that teams had to focus on at all times. He had multiple 200+ all-purpose yard games earning himself the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, Ameche-Dayne Running Back of the Year and First Team All-Big Ten. He was also crucial in Penn States upset Big Ten Championship victory against Wisconsin, recording 103 total yards and two touchdowns. The Rose Bowl against USC really put Barkley on the map totaling 194 rushing yards, 55 receiving yards, and three touchdowns. With 1,496 rushing yards, he is now also Penn States leading rusher by a sophomore.
In Barkley’s junior year he showed off his receiving abilities finishing the year with 54 receptions for 632 yards and three touchdowns. He also returned kicks taking two back for touchdowns on only fourteen returns. He even notched a touchdown pass. Barkley finished his career at Penn State as with the most career rushing touchdowns, 43 and multiple Big-Ten honors. After his very productive tenure, Saquon declared for the NFL draft and has been projected to go as high as the first overall pick.
Pros
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He is the elite all-around running back in this year’s class. With an explosive combine, Barkley showed that he can do it all. Finishing in the TOP TWO for the 40-yard dash, bench press, and vertical leap for running backs. He has great vision, agility, elusiveness, and hands. With the bonus of returning kicks if required.
Barkley is one of the best pure offensive talents to enter the draft in a while. There are no off-field concerns with him as well. Saquon Barkley Day is March 14th in the state of Pennsylvania. He would make an excellent addition to any offense and would give them possibly an elite running game for the next ten to twelve seasons.
Cons
The biggest weakness in Barkley’s game would be his blocking. While not undersized he has been known to be an inconsistent pass protector. There are necessary improvements to his game that will be focused on in the off-season.
Saquon also can improve big play mentality. Like Jamies Winston, Barkley has a tendency of trying to always make the biggest play possible. While not necessarily a bad thing it led to many negative plays at Penn State. Also for a guy as strong as he is he tends to try and avoid contact. With his power, he doesn’t need all the jukes to try and gain 50 yards when all they need is five.
Why The Buccaneers Need Saquon Barkley
The Buccaneers rushing attack has been very bad the past two seasons. Doug Martin was brought back to try and rekindle his rookie year success. After a suspension and continued poor performance they let him go leaving the Buccaneers very thin at the position. Peyton Barber and Jacquizz Rodgers are a nice one-two punch but in all seriousness neither are full-time NFL starters. Saquon Barkley could be that guy and then some. He has the skill set to take the Buccaneers offense to the next level.
While the Buccaneers need help in the secondary on defense, Jameis really needs a running game to utilize his strengths off play-action. Jameis was at his best when he had guys like Devonta Freeman and Dalvin Cook as his running backs while at Florida State. If the Buccaneers want an offense to go to that next level, Saquon Barkley is a great piece to get them there.
Will It Happen?
The Buccaneers are in a great position to fill one of their biggest needs on April 26th. With the top three picks likely to be quarterbacks and possibly another after they are in a position to grab one of if not the top prospect in the draft. However many teams ahead of them need to improve their running game also. Cleveland at four, Denver at five, the Colts at six, and quite possibly the Giants at pick two all could scoop up Saquon before the Tampa Bay Buccaneers even get a chance. But, if the Bucs manage to have Saquon fall into their laps at seven don’t be surprised if he is the pick.
The Buccaneers could be in a good position to dramatically improve their team in this draft. If they get Saquon Barkley do not be upset because they picked up a generational talent at running back. Chris Godwin may try and influence the war room if he gets a chance.
Next: Winston is 33rd among top picks in NFL History
We’ll see what the Bucs can do in less than a month now. Stay with us every day as we give you more prospects to watch on The Pewter Plank. Sound off on Twitter or Facebook if you think Saquon Barkley is the pick for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at seven.