New York Giants rookie running back and first-round selection Saquon Barkley is already the talk of training camp for Big Blue.
With only rookies and select veterans attending practice on Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday was the initial entire-team practice for the New York Giants. And before it even began, rookie running back and second-overall pick Saquon Barkley was getting love from his teammates.
According to a report from Zach Braziller of the New York Post, Barkley is receiving the support he needs to become an explosive player for the Giants for years to come.
“I can’t wait to see what he has when we get in pads,” mentioned Giants outside linebacker Olivier Vernon. “Running around, flying around, as quick as he is and as big as he is, it’s pretty impressive.”
Barkley’s offensive teammate and first-round selection of 2017 Evan Engram also contributed some great words toward the former Penn State Nittany Lion. “I honestly believe he’s ahead of his time,” Engram said. “I never felt the need to give him any advice. He’s already proven himself as a professional.”
The new Giants running back just signed his rookie deal on Sunday. Four years, $31.2 million, just behind first-overall pick Baker Mayfield, who signed for $32.68 million with the Cleveland Browns.
.@saquon with a message for Giants fans #GiantsPride pic.twitter.com/kkqex8PrP3
— New York Giants (@Giants) July 26, 2018
Outside of the Giants organization, Barkley has also received support and praise from former NFL greats. Retired New York Jets running back Curtis Martin shared his thoughts with the New York Post in April over the new Big Blue running back.
“If I was to say backs that would make up who he is, I would say Barry [Sanders], Eric Dickerson and Jim Brown.”
With training camp now officially underway, Barkley and the Giants can now get into the groove of all things football. Their preseason schedule begins Thursday, Aug. 9 against the Browns, where we can finally witness what Barkley can bring to the field for Big Blue.
