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

3. Height

It’s also apparent that every running back on our list falls within the heights of 5-foot-9 and 6-foot-1. There has not been a running back drafted in the first round who was shorter than 5-foot-9 since 5-foot-7 Steve Broussard was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 1990 and rushed for 2,625 yards over eight seasons in the NFL.

While diminutive running backs like Maurice Jones-Drew and Darren Sproles have had incredible success in the NFL regardless of their height, there is a fear that smaller players will be less durable, and a liability when pass blocking. If a team is going to invest such a high resource in a running back, they probably want to ensure that the player will be on the field consistently as an every down back, and a lack of pass blocking and consistent injury will prevent that.

Similarly, none of the running backs highlighted are taller than 6-foot-1. While it’s easier to find running backs drafted in the first round who are taller than that, they are still a rare commodity. Of the 77 running backs drafted in the first round since 1990 only six have been taller than 6-foot-1, with the most recent being 6-foot-2 Steven Jackson, a three-time Pro Bowler who has rushed for 11,438 yards over his 11 year NFL career.

Taller running backs like Jackson, Eddie George and more recently Derrick Henry have all found success in the league, but historically, taller players are typically viewed as one dimensional power backs. While taller backs should be able to hold up in pass protection and be effective in the power running game, they are often critiqued for having tight hips, which limits fluidity and burst on outside running plays, and could impede their abilities to contribute in the receiving game.

With dozens of big backs coming out in the draft every year, teams are more inclined to select a rotational player later in the draft to complement their lead back, instead of committing a first round pick to a player with less complete games, especially in the age of the spread offense.

Related Story: Michigan Football: 3 reasons why Jim Harbaugh owns college football

Barkley is currently listed at 5-foot-11. This size should allow him to excel in all facets of the pro game. He’s big enough to run between the tackles, and should retain the elusiveness to make plays in the open field.  With his size, Barkley will also be able to adequately perform as a pass protector on passing plays.

While participating at Penn State’s ‘Max-Out’ Week Barkley squatted 495 pounds seven times, and power-cleaned 390 pounds. Having functional strength and a powerful core will be essential when running between the tackles, and holding down pass protection.

Barkley has the ideal height and strength to succeed at the next level.