New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley and defensive lineman B.J. Hill have been named to NFL.com’s All-Rookie team.
New York Giants GM Dave Gettleman should get a lot of credit for this one.
On Wednesday, Gil Brandt of NFL.com released his All-Rookie team for the 2018 season. It includes 25 players who dearly impressed fans and coaches throughout their first year in the NFL. Two of them were Giants running back Saquon Barkley and defensive lineman B.J. Hill.
“Barkley had a very good year despite struggles by his O-line, rushing for 1,307 yards, 11 touchdowns and 5.0 yards per carry,” writes Brandt. “He also caught 91 passes, which helped him compile a league-high 2,028 yards from scrimmage. The thing that surprised me the most about him was his willingness to protect the passer — I thought he did a very good job with that.”
Barkley’s 2028 yards from scrimmage made him the third rookie running back in NFL history to surpass that 2000-yard mark. His 91 receptions also tied a rookie running back record previously set by Reggie Bush in 2006.
The No. 2 overall pick out of Penn State also posted a “good” grade of 85.9 on Pro Football Focus. Barkley was named the Offensive Rookie of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America, and will be attending his first Pro Bowl this Sunday.
While everyone knew what Barkley could do coming into the NFL, many were impressed by Hill’s season. The third round selection out of N.C. State tallied 48 total tackles and 5.5 sacks in his debut season.
“Hill is very strong at the point of attack and is equipped with greatt pass-rush ability, as evidenced by his 5.5 sacks in 16 games (12 starts),” writes Brandt. “He ranked second in the NFL among rookie defensive linemen with 48 tackles, behind only Daron Payne (56).”
Despite the Giants struggles this past season, Gettleman did do an above-average job in his inaugural draft as the Big Blue GM. This list is sheer proof.
