Saquon Barkley switched teams during the NFL’s free agent period, which attracted the attention of executives, scouts, and coaches from around the league.
Barkley gives Philadelphia a legit, three-down running back who can turn any play into a potential explosive touchdown or huge gain. With training camps set to open in the next two weeks, ESPN has again surveyed league executives, coaches, and scouts to help rank the top 10 players in 11 positions, from quarterback to cornerback.
The rankings started at the running back position, and the Eagles are sitting pretty, with Barkley landing at No. 4 on the list.
After years of toiling in the Giants’ grind-it-out offense, Barkley upgraded to Philly.
The possibilities have some around the league excited.
“He’s going to be a beast,” a veteran AFC scout who ranked him second said. “The weapons around him on the outside, dual-threat QB, shotgun runs, his versatility — it’s a perfect fit.”
Barkley’s production dipped to 962 yards on 247 carries (3.9 yards per carry) last season. Still, he’ll be running behind the NFL’s top offensive line, a significant reason why Howie Roseman had no pause about handing out a three-year, $37.75 million deal in free agency.
In the two seasons when Barkley has played 16 games, in 2018 and 2022, he totaled 3,678 yards and 25 touchdowns.
He’ll open things up for the Philadelphia offense while ensuring A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert see a ton of double coverage.
