Adrian Peterson vs. Saquon Barkley

We need a QB to replace an aging Manning who is far past his prime.

In comment 13877638 Frankie in Flushing said:

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We need a QB to replace an aging Manning who is far past his prime.

bingo !!

is absolutely baffling by just about any objective measurement.

Peterson was probably the best comparison in terms of being an insane physical specimen, but he ran with a violence between the tackles that was rare, even for physical backs - no less a guy who could take it to the house if he got an inch of daylight.

From what i've seen Barkley is more like a 30 pounds heavier version of Chris Johnson. He similarly only needs a small crease and if he gets it he's gone. Extremely elusive 1 on 1. Capable between the tackles and making something out of nothing, but not his greatest strength. Johnson had a short run as one of the most dominant players in the sport, but I think there's hope that Barkley is more physically freakish and younger entering the league, so he can hopefully have a longer window.

calling him a surefire hall of famer though?

If anything it made me like Barkley more. The holes that Peterson had to run through were enormous. Peterson was touched exactly twice within five yards of the line of scrimmage in all of those cuts. AP was incredibly fast and set up his cuts really well, but he wasn't being challenged in the video by the big guys in the front seven at all.

Barkley has never had that kind of offensive line. And yet he is pretty productive. Time will tell.

Big 12 has never played defense except for Oklahoma.

That’s how I see it.

was a terrific prospect but he came with red flags for being injury prone. His highlights dont really do justice as he's running through gigantic holes made by his o-line.

plus the way he maneuvers in traffic and then turns on the jets... impressive. He out runs guys that have the angle on him...

I like the kid a lot but I am hesitant. The only QB I like is Darnold and I am starting to cool on him. Allen is too much of a gamble. Rosen seems to be injury prone. Mayfield I don't think he is a good fit here.

To be 225 or more just has the subtle cuts while running they are almost invisible. While Peterson being much taller makes every cut seem overly dramatic yet explosive. Other than that it’s a big plus in the receiving and passing game for Barkley. Your not going to catch either one if they get a full head of steam going in most cases. Barkley has that 15+ plus additional pounds yet still is faster which is hard to believe. Given a choice in the same draft I would take Barkley his game is just more complete even at this point.

In comment 13877800 TD said:

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That’s how I see it.

Nice comp.

He only went to the playoffs 4 times. You just don't build around a RB, you build around a QB. Our QB is old and hasn't had a good season in a while. He is learning a new O at age 37. We have a young 3rd rounder that has never thrown an NFL pass and our coach and GM have never seen him play or practice live in the NFL.

If I am the GM and I have a 1st round grade on a QB I take him. I am not going to let others in the organization tell me how good Webb is or isn't without seeing for myself. By all accounts Webb is a great kid and great student of the game but 32 teams passed on him at least twice and some 4 times. Shows he was not a 1st round prospect since he was a clean background and a good medically. I would compare him to the guys coming out and see if he stacks up from his college game. I doubt he does.

I have to think that the Qbs in this draft are good prospects without knowing myself because of the trades so far. Too many teams seem interested and where there is smoke there is fire. At least 1 of these qbs is highly coveted if not 3 or 4. I would rather let Webb and the draft pick battle it out then put all my eggs in Webb's basket. In my opinion Eli is done, he would need a much better team to win in this league. Our OL is improved on paper but has no depth, wr needs bodies, DL seems ok, LB needs bodies and CB needs a lot. Barkley is a luxury we can't afford. QB or trade back if possible and build up multiple spots.

Peterson was a bruiser back at OU. Very physical ala Walter Payton. Just hammered defenders - and loved it. Looking at it now, it is remarkable how long Peterson was productive in the NFL because he didn't let him in the pros with his style.

Barkley is a much more gifted receiver and blocker than Peterson - at this point in their college career and even looking at Peterson in the pros. But Barkley is more finesse - not that that is a bad thing, but he's looking more to avoid contact, which is probably smart.

I think Barkley is a better prospect for today's game than Peterson would have been. I still wouldn't draft either at #2, but at a lower pick, and with a need at RB, I take SB....

In comment 13877800 TD said:

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That’s how I see it.

Barkley's upside is LaDainian Tomlinson. Baseline is LaDainian Tomlinson.


Kidding. Kind of.

Barkley and Reggie Bush do not belong in the same sentence.

Reggie Bush is not the prospect Barkley is. Barkley's floor is higher than what Reggie Bush accomplished. Bush was a glorified 3rd down RB with exceptional speed.

Barkley is a 3-down RB all day every day, even as a floor, and a very good one at that.

The Rams are built around Gurley.
The Seahawks were built around Lynch for a long time.
Cowboys are built around Elliot.
Jags offense was remade around Fournette.

I am not saying the end all be all is building around RB's. Just that it's not as much of a relic as it seems. You build around great players - regardless of position. And even if you hit the jackpot at the most important position and get Andrew Luck, if you surround him with crap you're still not gonna go anywhere.

The number 2 pick is an opportunity to get an enormously valuable player, but the surest way to waste it is by trying to force a position pick. If Barkley is the best player take him. If a QB is rated higher, take him. If they think Chubb is the next LT, take him. Getting the player grades right is more important than what position they play.