What other RB, past or present is most similar to Barkley?

Best comp off the top of my head.

?

Barry Sanders

.

to compare him with Sanders. He is a bigger Barry Sanders IMO. Incredible vision and moves behind the line of scrimmage, and can break an 80 yard TD at any time. But also tends to get the happy feet, and pussy foot a bit at the line of scrimmage and behind, which results in a lot of negative carries.

times, and listen to Sean O'Hara speak about that.

"Look at the bar [bell] across his back. See how it bends in the middle as he rides up out of his squat?That's explosion. That's not a 'workout', that's big boy power lifting!"


I dunno about his comparison. Jim Brown maybe? I pray the Giants have a really good OL before his rookie contact is finished. He will be, perhaps, unlike any player we've ever seen. A mash-up of Tiki, Jacobs, and Ron Johnson to keep it familial.

with Tomlinson. That's the most apt comparison most people have made. Perhaps Marshall Falk as well. (I'd be happy if Barkley has as good a career as either!)

People say Sanders, and Barkley can do a lot of the same moves and jukes, but he's much bigger than Sanders, and is a better WR.

Tomlinson and Faulk never had Barkley's topline speed but both had better offenses that created more space for them.

Next season will say alot about who Barkley really is. He needs to stay healthy and our offense needs to take a step forward.

For me, right now, Dorsett.

could be OLINE but sometimes 1 cuts and 4 yards works
probably multiple things that cause this

stop-on-a-dime, then lateral movement/ability.

I'm not saying our Barkley will have the career of Barry Sanders, but he reminds me most of him.

The Juice could run you over, jump over you or juke you out of your socks. Hopefully SB doesn't have the stab you part of his game.

In comment 14914667 Payasdaddy said:

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could be OLINE but sometimes 1 cuts and 4 yards works probably multiple things that cause this

I'd like that too, but he also breaks 80 yarders because of them so I'll take the good with the bad. I'd also like to see him with a better O-line to see how it effects his patience.

All things considered he rushed for 5 yards a clip his rookie year, 4.8 pyc overall behind a really bad line.

Hershel Walker and Bo Jackson were similar to Barkley in terms of size/speed, they were both probably a little bit faster. Barry Sanders was even quicker and explosive at cutting than Barkley, but Barkley has a similar ability.

The only other guy in NFL history to come close to combining Bo Jackson's size/speed ratio with Barry Sanders' explosive cutting was Jim Brown. Except Brown was also much bigger relative to his era and more willing to run straight through people, imagine Derrick Henry with Barkley's moves. There's a reason Brown's the GOAT.

He's not really close to Jim Brown's power but he's probably the most complete physical specimen we've seen at the RB position in the last 50 years.

The only thing keeping him back from being a legend is his tendency to dance too much and questionable vision. By "questionable vision" I mean compared to the greats. Hopefully experience + a better OL helps him reach his potential.

He's almost like a Bell clone to me. Their style of play and abilities are very similar.

In comment 14914673 UConn4523 said:

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In comment 14914667 Payasdaddy said: Quote: could be OLINE but sometimes 1 cuts and 4 yards works probably multiple things that cause this I'd like that too, but he also breaks 80 yarders because of them so I'll take the good with the bad. I'd also like to see him with a better O-line to see how it effects his patience. All things considered he rushed for 5 yards a clip his rookie year, 4.8 pyc overall behind a really bad line.

Exactly, I loved Barry Sanders and watched him every chance I could get. It's a catch-22 with those guys. In a sense, their strength is also a weakness. Yes, it is frustrating to watch them go 10 carries for 1 yard, and barely getting by the line of scrimmage.

However, the patience and vision that produces that is also what allows for the 80 yard runs. An added aspect is that rather than the 4 yards a clip bruisers, I am hopeful Barkley's career will be a bit longer than the average back.

An improved OL and a mobile QB will be huge for Barkley. I expect him to reach a whole new level in the next couple of years.

young Faulk was very explosive. He ran a faster 40 than Barkley. I think Barkley accelerates better which is why he can break more big runs IMO, less opportunity to get a hand on him at the line before he gets outside.

Faulk had better vision though IMO. Barkley sometimes doesn’t see how to take what the defense is giving him. Vision can definitely improve easier than acceleration though

But is there something like a volatility adjusted average for RBs?

Something like the sharp ratio for rushing stats.

a lot of Adrian Peterson in his prime in that Pete could break away on any play at any time. He also could fumble at any time but that reminds more of our qb than our rb.

Most RBs in the later rounds...

has traits of many past greats and the great ones all have a uniqueness. What I think will define him like a lot of great players is can he stay on the field? The OL will be better this year and next year it may be a strength so his talent is going to really show imo.

I remember hearing Jim Brown talk on a show long ago about being the best ever and why he was. He said something along the lines of having played 9 years and never missed a play.....remarkable.

...if you're putting together a highlight reel, but if you're putting together an offensive game plan, not so much. He was of very little use in the passing game. Hard to coach 80-yard TD runs sprinkled among three-and-outs.

I've always said Gale Sayers was the best comparison, but it's far from exact.
Gale Sayers - ( New Window )

In comment 14914673 UConn4523 said:

Quote:

In comment 14914667 Payasdaddy said: Quote: could be OLINE but sometimes 1 cuts and 4 yards works probably multiple things that cause this I'd like that too, but he also breaks 80 yarders because of them so I'll take the good with the bad. I'd also like to see him with a better O-line to see how it effects his patience. All things considered he rushed for 5 yards a clip his rookie year, 4.8 pyc overall behind a really bad line.

I think it's more about judgement. THere's a time and place. Emmitt Smith was great about that. When the game situation calls for getting the 3rd and 2 and keeping the ball, get the damn 2 yards, don't dance around. when the big play is more necessary, than go ahead and try for the home run play.

In comment 14914700 Milton said:

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...if you're putting together a highlight reel, but if you're putting together an offensive game plan, not so much. He was of very little use in the passing game. Hard to coach 80-yard TD runs sprinkled among three-and-outs. I've always said Gale Sayers was the best comparison, but it's far from exact. Gale Sayers - ( New Window )

I could see the comparison there.

I watched an old Bears game not long ago and thought Saquon was similar to Payton.

I think he's most similar to Thurman Thomas. Just bigger and stronger.

In comment 14914670 Thegratefulhead said:

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The Juice could run you over, jump over you or juke you out of your socks. Hopefully SB doesn't have the stab you part of his game.

Great comp

In comment 14914700 Milton said:

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...if you're putting together a highlight reel, but if you're putting together an offensive game plan, not so much. He was of very little use in the passing game. Hard to coach 80-yard TD runs sprinkled among three-and-outs. I've always said Gale Sayers was the best comparison, but it's far from exact. Gale Sayers - ( New Window )

This. Running style keeps reminding me of Gale Sayers highlights. Now Barkley is his own RB that can run agry but the moves though ....

In comment 14914681 KDavies said:

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In comment 14914673 UConn4523 said: Quote: In comment 14914667 Payasdaddy said: Quote: could be OLINE but sometimes 1 cuts and 4 yards works probably multiple things that cause this I'd like that too, but he also breaks 80 yarders because of them so I'll take the good with the bad. I'd also like to see him with a better O-line to see how it effects his patience. All things considered he rushed for 5 yards a clip his rookie year, 4.8 pyc overall behind a really bad line. Exactly, I loved Barry Sanders and watched him every chance I could get. It's a catch-22 with those guys. In a sense, their strength is also a weakness. Yes, it is frustrating to watch them go 10 carries for 1 yard, and barely getting by the line of scrimmage. However, the patience and vision that produces that is also what allows for the 80 yard runs. An added aspect is that rather than the 4 yards a clip bruisers, I am hopeful Barkley's career will be a bit longer than the average back. An improved OL and a mobile QB will be huge for Barkley. I expect him to reach a whole new level in the next couple of years.

The problem with Barkley/Sanders is obvious. Giants get ten possessions a game. They break one long spectacular run per game. Everyone is amazed and thrilled. The other nine possessions they have no yards and Giants are punting. That does not really help their teams win. Patience is not a virtue when you are trying to move the chains. He needs to run harder between tackles.

In comment 14914704 Victor in CT said:

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In comment 14914673 UConn4523 said: Quote: In comment 14914667 Payasdaddy said: Quote: could be OLINE but sometimes 1 cuts and 4 yards works probably multiple things that cause this I'd like that too, but he also breaks 80 yarders because of them so I'll take the good with the bad. I'd also like to see him with a better O-line to see how it effects his patience. All things considered he rushed for 5 yards a clip his rookie year, 4.8 pyc overall behind a really bad line. I think it's more about judgement. THere's a time and place. Emmitt Smith was great about that. When the game situation calls for getting the 3rd and 2 and keeping the ball, get the damn 2 yards, don't dance around. when the big play is more necessary, than go ahead and try for the home run play.

I don't disagree but we are talking about two pretty opposite end of the spectrum OLines.

I don't think we know for sure what Barkley will do with a competent OLine in front of him. Maybe he still tries to do too much on occasion, or maybe his awareness is better since he will have more to work with. What I do know is that without him hitting those huge runs we are an even worse football team so I guess we will see.

Lets be fair.....he might get caught for a one yard gain.

But if OL can run block....Barkely with legit holes....watch out

In comment 14914713 averagejoe said:

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The problem with Barkley/Sanders is obvious. Giants get ten possessions a game. They break one long spectacular run per game. Everyone is amazed and thrilled. The other nine possessions they have no yards and Giants are punting. That does not really help their teams win. Patience is not a virtue when you are trying to move the chains. He needs to run harder between tackles.

While I am sure Barkley would agree he has things he still needs to develop with his game, him running harder between the tackles is probably #198 on the problems the NY Giants need to concern themselves with.

was gonna say Edgerrin James or Ahman Green but neither one have Barkley's power. However both guys could run and were damn good receivers

In comment 14914670 Thegratefulhead said:

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The Juice could run you over, jump over you or juke you out of your socks. Hopefully SB doesn't have the stab you part of his game.

this is who i think of too

.....

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than Simpson, Billy Sims both 210. As well as Sanders, Tomlinson and Sayers. He potentially can be better than all of them.

In comment 14914727 BCD said:

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.....

Agreed, I can’t really find a comparable. He’s like five of these guys rolled into one. He’s got some Barry Sanders, some OJ, some Dickerson, some Sayers, some Bo Jackson.

What makes a comparison difficult is the fact that his closest comparable players in terms of size and speed mostly played when RB’s were not really utilized in the passing game.

In comment 14914731 Chip said:

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than Simpson, Billy Sims both 210. As well as Sanders, Tomlinson and Sayers. He potentially can be better than all of them.

Everybody is 25 lbs heavier now. Sayers played in the day when 300 pound linemen were few and far between.

Think body types and skill sets are similar, saquon is just more athletically gifted

Thurman Thomas maybe?

Barry Sanders camp. He can do what they both could. The question is will he for an entire career and at a high level?

I really needed a good laugh. This thread is hilarious. If BBI is still around someone needs to repost this in about 5 years and we'll see how Barkley compares to the all time greats. In the mean time maybe he can pick up a blitz or two and run over a few guys in between the tackles for a few first downs.

In comment 14914781 arniefez said:

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I really needed a good laugh. This thread is hilarious. If BBI is still around someone needs to repost this in about 5 years and we'll see how Barkley compares to the all time greats. In the mean time maybe he can pick up a blitz or two and run over a few guys in between the tackles for a few first downs.

Man you're hilarious. You must have thought Marshall Faulk was pure shit after his first 3 seasons. Because running over guys is what delineates a great back from a bad back.Yeah he definitely should run through the tackles when the line is creating zero holes.

"NFL scouts", Zeke Elliot is the best RB in the NFC East.

Must've tabbed Marc Ross for that opinion, and others with similar skills.

Not the obligatory "one of the best" that we generally hear when teams are facing a top RB. He felt safe saying "the best" because he was just stating the obvious.

.

In comment 14914781 arniefez said:

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I really needed a good laugh. This thread is hilarious. If BBI is still around someone needs to repost this in about 5 years and we'll see how Barkley compares to the all time greats. In the mean time maybe he can pick up a blitz or two and run over a few guys in between the tackles for a few first downs.

If BBI is around? I'll bet BBI outlasts arniefez...

It takes a special kinda Stoopid to hate on Barkley. I can understand "no RB is worth the 2nd overall pick" argument even if I don't buy in, but hating Saquon and professing he lacks talent?

That takes a sub simian IQ.

...Payton.

In comment 14914781 arniefez said:

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I really needed a good laugh. This thread is hilarious. If BBI is still around someone needs to repost this in about 5 years and we'll see how Barkley compares to the all time greats. In the mean time maybe he can pick up a blitz or two and run over a few guys in between the tackles for a few first downs.

Maybe you can put your money where your mouth is and actually post something that's worth reading on occasion. I don't expect you to bat 1,000 but i'm not sure if you've even gotten on base yet.

seems like a good person and someone worth rooting for. You don't have to be a SR VP of Player Personnel to see he is insanely talented and has athletic gifts that are rare.

While being one of the worst teams in the NFL using the 2nd pick in the draft on a RB is one of the biggest of dozens of horrible decisions the Giants have made since Super Bowl 46.

The horse is dead from explaining the lack of positional value, salary cap implications and lack of supporting talent.

The Giants record since Barkley was drafted speaks for itself.

So many of the great RBs that people on this thread are WAY WAY prematurely comparing Barkley to never won a thing. Sanders, OJ, Dickerson, even Payton, who finally won as a passenger at the very end, were sideshows not part of winning teams.

Barkley is two years in let's see where he is 5 years from now.

you let us know every chance you get. Maybe move on?

The OP asked about the closest comparison in the history of the league, he didn't ask about anything else.

no one is comparing careers and the responses have been pretty clear that they are comparing the talent level, running style, etc.

No one is saying that to date Barkley has equaled Barry Sanders' or Marshall Faulk in career achievements.

The rationalization here is funny!

Quote:

even Payton, who finally won as a passenger at the very end, were sideshows not part of winning teams

Over 1500 yards and 9 TD's is being a "passenger"?? I like how you didn't mention the RB's who he's compared to who had team success like Brown, Dorsett and Faulk.

Not only that, it was another way to work in the angle that it is management's fault!!

In comment 14914688 Big Blue '56 said:

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Most RBs in the later rounds...

Haha this is the post of the thread.

The question is, who is Sam Darnold most similar to?

I’d say a combo of Brady, Marino and Montana, only better. With the speed of Vick and the size and durability of Big Ben.

In fact the only real Darnold comp is Superman.

In comment 14914824 arniefez said:

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seems like a good person and someone worth rooting for. You don't have to be a SR VP of Player Personnel to see he is insanely talented and has athletic gifts that are rare. While being one of the worst teams in the NFL using the 2nd pick in the draft on a RB is one of the biggest of dozens of horrible decisions the Giants have made since Super Bowl 46. The horse is dead from explaining the lack of positional value, salary cap implications and lack of supporting talent. The Giants record since Barkley was drafted speaks for itself. So many of the great RBs that people on this thread are WAY WAY prematurely comparing Barkley to never won a thing. Sanders, OJ, Dickerson, even Payton, who finally won as a passenger at the very end, were sideshows not part of winning teams. Barkley is two years in let's see where he is 5 years from now.

Um, ok. Those players were hardly sideshows. Obviously, you need more than just a great RB to win football games. Big insight there.

Are you seriously arguing that there is a correlation to where great RBs lead to losing football? You conveniently leave out all of the great RBs that have been on winning teams, including some mentioned in this thread (ie. Faulk).

I can cite Dan Marino and leave out all of the great QBs who have won SBs and say just because you have a great QB, doesn't mean you win. Genius argument.

Baha haha!

In a year of ridiculous statements, that may actually be the most ridiculous.

But, yeah, thanks for coming out.

He has rare elusiveness especially for 230 lbs and is very hard to tackle for one defender, but I don't see a ton of Sanders in him. Sanders was unique in that defenders struggled to even lay a hand on him.

He's got some Bo Jackson in him in how he can get to and capture the edge for breakaway runs, but no back had Bo's blazing straight line speed.

The only back that reminds me of Dickerson was Ahman Green, with the smooth, silent, pumping high knee sprinter's gate. Dickerson was next-generation talent in his prime.

Terrell Davis?

Barry Sanders
OJ Simpson
Eric Dickerson
Walter Peyton

he was probably a little better between the tackles and Barkley a little better home run hitter, but pretty similar. 2 best all around running backs since Marshall Faulk probably (since AP was never as much of a threat as a receiver).

Just need to hope Saquon can have the same kind of longevity as those guys.

Tomlinson had 8 1k seasons, 5 pro bowls, and 3 all pro.
Faulk had 7 1k seasons, 8 pro bowls, and 3 all pro.

Saquon is 2/2 with 1k seasons and has 1 pro bowl so he is on track if he can have another 5 good years out of the 7 years left in his 20's.

hasnt done enough for me yet to give an accurate comparison. Right now Id say Faulk or Edgerrin James.

Barks is mid height for a back, so not long and strong like E Dick and Eddie George and AP. Not short and hiding behind the OL before exploding into the second level LBs like Emitt and Barry. Your gonna see Barks coming at you but he’s got that wiggle in the hole, he can run over LBs and he’s got that get away gear in the third level.

He’s just not physical enough for me to compare him to Sweetness. Sweetness is the second greatest football player I’ve ever seen in my lifetime. And man was he physical. If you could catch him, he’d often make you wish you couldn’t. But body type, raw talent and overall game seem really close. Payton was a great team member, an outstanding human being and he was an amazing worker and everything I read about Barks is similar.

Faulk seems like the best fit. I’m thinking here again about body type and talent set. Faulk was a terrific route runner and could read the defenses. I’m really hoping Garrett can get DJ8 and Barks some synergy and some great plays. This too though is gonna depend on Barks ability to pass pro.

And yeah, I know Barks has a lot more to accomplish before he’s in the same room as Faulk and Payton who are two of the all time greatest ever to buckle a chin strap in the NFL. But he’s got the skills and the work ethic. Really looking forward to seeing what he does this season.

At 5'11" Dorsett is the same height as Barks but 40 pounds lighter! Barks is a freaking beast man. Speaking of beast's, Saquon is also the same height as Marshawn Lynch who's listed at 215. It's just crazy to think of how Barks can move that much weight the way he does. He could be such a punisher!

Who is going to learn to become more of a buiser as he fills out.
Imagine that, he is going to get bigger and stronger.
Stay healthy my man, you have the chance to be
on another level, God Willing.

In comment 14914686 ChicagoMarty said:

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a lot of Adrian Peterson in his prime in that Pete could break away on any play at any time. He also could fumble at any time but that reminds more of our qb than our rb.

Both also struggle in pass protection, though on the flip side, AP couldn't catch a cold.

To date, I think Barkley's closest comp is Sanders due to his ability to take a negative play and turn it into an 80 yard score. But despite a high volume of catches, Barkley's been severely underutilized in the passing game. He has Faulk potential there.

and I'm sticking with it. As or more dangerous as a receiver in the open field as he is running the ball. Maybe moreso because it eliminates his penchant for losing yards trying to evade penetration and hit a homerun every play. Never hurt your teams down and distance with negative plays. Positive yards every play is the proper mindset. Which is something I hope the new RB coach will drill into him.

Seattle. Penn. State Alum, if I’m not mistaken. With a dash of Byner & a hint of Word

So far, the reality has not come close to the legend!

In comment 14915667 Ivan15 said:

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So far, the reality has not come close to the legend!

I think we are talking about the Saquon Barkley who in 2 years has:

- 23 TD's
- 2,310 rushing yards
- 143 receptions
- 1159 receiving yards

I'm not sure what reality you are looking for.

In 29 games, he has 3,460 total yards. That's 119 yards per game

There's a reality in your post, but I don't think you'll be too happy about what it reflects....

In comment 14915683 FatMan in Charlotte said:

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In comment 14915667 Ivan15 said: Quote: So far, the reality has not come close to the legend! I think we are talking about the Saquon Barkley who in 2 years has: - 23 TD's - 2,310 rushing yards - 143 receptions - 1159 receiving yards I'm not sure what reality you are looking for. In 29 games, he has 3,460 total yards. That's 119 yards per game There's a reality in your post, but I don't think you'll be too happy about what it reflects....

Do NOT leave out his HAS that inhibited some of his movement after missing 4 games. Those 2 year stats should come with an *

Wilbert Montgomery.

In comment 14915667 Ivan15 said:

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So far, the reality has not come close to the legend!

Are you fucking kidding me???
This is the reality.... - ( New Window )

In comment 14915453 Torrag said:

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and I'm sticking with it. As or more dangerous as a receiver in the open field as he is running the ball. Maybe moreso because it eliminates his penchant for losing yards trying to evade penetration and hit a homerun every play. Never hurt your teams down and distance with negative plays. Positive yards every play is the proper mindset. Which is something I hope the new RB coach will drill into him.

Personally, I think any "problem" associated with Barkley is much more a function of the OLine the Giants have afforded him, than his "penchant for trying to avoid tacklers to hit the home run play."

But it makes you sound like you're sorta onto something, I guess.

Pssst... Dodging tacklers in the backfield might just as well be trying to avoid a loss, as opposed to trying to do too much.

look at any talented RB on a team with bad blocking. You can say the same thing.

He isn’t perfect and there’s plays that being a bit more patient would have benefitted, but he still hits those home runs, some of which he did when not following the script.

...rabbit quickness, smooth acceleration.

Barkley has the tools to be one of the all time greats. Hopefully, he has a career with a solid OL.

There's a difference between 'dodging tacklers' and knowing when you're beat, literally going backwards or reversing your field resulting in greater loss of yards, field position and down and distance. Barkley is guilty of this at times. 99% of the time that play is dead. The success rate is so low in those situations it qualifies as a bad decision. It comes from self confidence but experience and maturity should begin to temper those moments. As well as better coaching.

the play is too stick it up in there, use his power and get what you can.

he reminds me of Tomlinson and Faulk, but moreso Tomlinson.

I actually think Zeke is a good comparison, but IMO Zeke is a better ball carrier (could be the OL though)