New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley has been named Offensive Rookie of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America.
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley is getting rewarded for his spectacular rookie season.
Barkley was named the Offensive Rookie of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America. This comes after Barkley was snubbed from the PFWA All-NFL and All-NFC teams.
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley, who became the third NFL rookie to have over 2,000 scrimmage yards in a season and set the NFL rookie record for most receptions by a running back, was selected as the 2018 Offensive Rookie of the Year.
— Pro Football Writers (@PFWAwriters) January 15, 2019
Colts LB Darius Leonard and Browns QB Baker Mayfield were named Defensive Rookie of the Year and Rookie of the Year, respectively.
It’s no surprise to anyone that Barkley was given this great honor. After being selected with the second overall pick in last year’s NFL Draft, Barkley had a fantastic rookie year. The former Penn State Nittany Lion rushed for 1307 yards with 11 scores on the ground. He also caught 91 balls for 721 yards and four touchdowns through the air.
This total of 2028 yards from scrimmage made Barkley the third rookie in NFL history to hit the 2000-yard mark. Barkley also broke the rookie running back record for number of catches in a season with his 91 receptions. This record was previously set by Reggie Bush in 2006.
Recently, Barkley was also snubbed from both the AP All-Pro first and second teams. However, he will be headed to the Pro Bowl later this month in Orlando, FL. It will be his first of many potential Pro Bowl appearances in his career.
The main reason Mayfield won the Rookie of the Year over Barkley was most likely due to Baker throwing for 27 touchdowns this year. It set a rookie quarterback record, and Mayfield didn’t play until Week 3 of this past regular season. The former Heisman Trophy winner could’ve easily hit the 30-touchdown mark.
Leonard, on the other hand, led the NFL in tackles in his first year with 163.
