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ESPN’s Mel Kiper projects Saquon Barkley as top prospect for 2018 NFL Draft
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Saquon Barkley is at the top of another list.
In addition to being regarded as the top player in the B1G and the leader in the Heisman race, the Penn State running back is now slated as the top overall prospect for the 2018 NFL Draft.
ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. recently reevaluated his “big board” and had Barkley selected as the No. 1 overall player for the 2018 NFL Draft. Barkley — a junior — has not yet mentioned whether or not he plans to declare for the draft at the end of the 2017 season.
“Barkley is a lights-out athlete with a great lower body and quick feet who shows tremendous balance,” Kiper wrote in his analysis. “I think he’ll run under a 4.4 40-yard dash and test well at the combine. Barkley could be a top-five pick in 2018 and he’s going to get an elite grade from me, barring injury.”
It seems that Barkley’s stock is rising with each passing week, and though he hasn’t declared for the draft, it’s hard to imagine he’d return to Penn State after such an incredible season.
Currently, Barkley has 1,478 all-purpose yards and has accounted for 13 total touchdowns on the season. He’ll have a chance to solidify his place as the top player in college football this weekend as No. 2 Penn State plays No. 6 Ohio State.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB