Saturday Blitz
Fansided

Penn State Football: Comparing Saquon Barkley to recent 1st-round RBs

By Matty Breisch

Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates with tight end Mike Gesicki (88) after scoring on a 24-yard touchdown run in the second quarter against the USC Trojans during the 103rd Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl. USC defeated Penn State 52-49 in the highest scoring game in Rose Bowl history. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates with tight end Mike Gesicki (88) after scoring on a 24-yard touchdown run in the second quarter against the USC Trojans during the 103rd Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl. USC defeated Penn State 52-49 in the highest scoring game in Rose Bowl history. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Sep 3, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) practices during a warm up prior to the game against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Kent State 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) practices during a warm up prior to the game against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Kent State 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Weight

When evaluating the combine measurements of the running backs taken in the first round over the last five seasons, it becomes apparent that every back weighs at least 200 pounds. While the skill sets of these players vary greatly it would appear that teams are less inclined to spend a top pick on a player with a slight build.

The lightest RB taken in the first round since the 1990 draft was Warrick Dunn. At 5-foot-9 and 187 pounds, Dunn was able to play eight seasons, and 181 games, in the NFL, rushing for over 10,000 yards and making the Pro Bowl three times. While he never missed significant time due to injury it’s fair to assume that a light back who is taking on 240-pound linebackers every play will be more likely to get hurt than a 230-pound power back.

While weight can vary widely over any position group, based on the specific body types of its players it is worth noting that there doesn’t appear to be any prototypical playing style for a running back taken in the first round.

Players like Trent Richardson and Leonard Fournette built their reputations on their ability to take over a game by rushing between the tackles. While both players did have moderate success as receivers out of the backfield in college, teams viewed the duo as game changing power rushers and ultimately chose to make them top-five picks.

Other players, like Christian McCaffrey, Ezekiel Elliot and Doug Martin made their names by making plays in the open field. While not prototypical downhill runners, they were able to attack defenses in a variety of ways, like inside zones, outside sweep plays or on wheel routes out of the backfield.

Saquon Barkley weighs in at 223 pounds. This size will allow him to take the consistent beating a lead back will take at the next level. It also won’t pigeonhole him as far as scheme fits are concerned. In college Barkley has been able to run the ball inside, outside and catch the ball out of the back field and this trend should continue at the next level.

Home/Penn State Nittany Lions