Chicago Bears Draft Scout: Saquon Barkley

Pro Comparison

Barkley is almost in a class of his own, but there are some guys you can compare him to. Kareem Hunt, of the Kansas City Chiefs, is somewhat like Barkley. Barkley is even better than Hunt is. He could instantly become one of the top backs, if not the top back, in the NFL provided he lands with the right team and in the right situation.

Another comparison you could make would be to Jay Ajayi when Ajayi was tearing up the record books in 2016. Barkley can run through defenses blowing past defenders to get to the second level. Until teams figure out how to defend Barkley, expect him to have a rookie season like Ezekiel Elliot’s. He could easily lead the NFL in rushing and be a candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

His ability to catch passes is going to make him an asset in the screen game, so any team that utilizes screens to move the ball down the field could consider drafting Barkley. Also, a team that needs some help returning punts and kickoffs could utilize him. He carries a lot of talent into the NFL with him and would be a benefit to any team that picks him up.