Penn State running back Saquon Barkley would like to play for his favorite team, the New York Jets, but could end up with the New York Giants.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell might not want to run with the New York Jets, but Penn State running back Saquon Barkley would love to be donning that green come next season.
Even though he played at Penn State, Barkley isn’t a Philadelphia Eagles fan; he’s a Jets fan, which makes sense since he was born and raised in the Bronx.
“Curtis Martin — I’m a Jets fan growing up. I’m still a Jets fan,” he told Kristian Dyer of Sporting News. “Come draft day, all that goes out the window. It would be great for me to be able to play for the team I grew up liking … obviously New York is close to home and would be a great position for me. But as I said, whatever team decides to draft me, that’s a blessing.”
#Jets fan Saquon Barkley admits playing in New York 'would be great' https://t.co/nmIUDfJ5S7
— Kristian Dyer (@KristianRDyer) February 22, 2018
The Jets have the sixth overall pick in the draft and could potentially draft the Penn State running back. However, they would likely have to trade up in order to obtain Barkley.
If the Jets don’t draft Barkley, then he could end up with the New York Giants. The Giants have hired Mike Shula as their offensive coordinator and that could mean that they are targeting Barkley with the second overall pick in the draft.
ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has the Giants taking Saquon with the number two pick in the draft. Sports Illustrated’s Peter King has predicted that the Giants won’t draft a quarterback with the number two pick, so Barkley could very well end up with Big Blue.
Barkley is considered to be the top running back in this year’s draft. Last season he rushed for 1,271 yards with 18 touchdowns for Penn State.
We’ll have to wait and see if Barkley will be playing for his favorite team, the Jets, or potentially their crosstown rival.
