NFL Mock Draft 2018: Updated first round after Week 9
42. . RB. Penn State. Saquon Barkley. 1. player
Quarterback is the biggest need in the NFL right now. So far no passer has distinguished himself from the pack. Sam Darnold has struggled with interceptions, Josh Allen has yet to make much of a difference at Wyoming and Baker Mayfield lacks the measurables of NFL-caliber talent.
All of those negatives will result in one big positive for Saquon Barkley. There has not been a more exciting player in college football so far this season. Barkley has rushed for touchdowns, caught touchdowns and even thrown a touchdown pass and returned a kickoff for a score. Every time he touches the football he’s dangerous. And that’s exactly what San Francisco needs.
The success rate of first round quarterbacks is scattered. While running backs might only be marginally safer, the recent history will help sell this pick. Ezekiel Elliot and Leonard Fournette are two top round picks that come to mind to back up Barkley’s first round case.
The 49ers need a difference maker. When Barkley has the ball in space a touchdown is always possible, regardless of where he is on the field. He proved that once again in a losing effort against Ohio State, scoring two touchdowns. One came via the ground the other via returning the opening kickoff.