Possible Cleveland Browns target Saquon Barkley shining early in Indy
By Ben Thomas
Cleveland Browns draft target Saquon Barkley is off to a great start at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. He posted 29 reps on the 225-pound bench press, and still has more time to shine.
Former Penn State running back Saquon Barkley is not making the first overall pick any easier for the Cleveland Browns.
Measuring in at 6-foot tall and 233-pounds on day one, Barkley stole the show with 29 reps of the 225-pound bench press on Thursday.
NFL Insider Ian Rapoport could be counted among the many who were impressed with Barkley’s display of strength.
Oh boy. Penn St RB Saquon Barkley put on a show on the bench. 29 reps at 225. I think he’ll do OK in the draft.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 1, 2018
Where Barkley may have made his biggest impression on the Browns is behind the microphone. In his press conference on Thursday, Barkley appeared to be up to the challenge that a zero-win team from the year before can represent.
"“Yeah, that’s awesome, something bigger than you,” Barkley said on a vide released by the Browns official Twitter page. “Obviously they have had some rough years, but I think, maybe, I think they are a couple of pieces away.”"
Whether the Browns or not, Barkley says he’s ready to go any team that would happen to draft him.
"“Any team that want to draft me and is blessing me with an opportunity to play with their franchise is a blessing to me.” Barkley said again via the Browns Twitter page."
Obviously, a good day on the bench press and a few good quotes aren’t enough to justify a draft slot. However, Barkley’s numbers from his last season in Happy Valley jump off the page.
The junior rushed for 1,217 yards on 217 carries, while finding the end zone 18 times. He also had three more touchdowns through the air as a receiver.
Barkley’s time to shine is just getting started. On Friday, he and the other backs will hit the turf for the first day of on field workouts. These workouts will contain a variety of drills, including the famous 40-yard dash.
Barkley is not expected to have any limitations during the workout.
Next: Would the Browns really trade the No. 1 pick?
Picking first overall can often lead to a tough decision. If Barkley continues at this rate, he will cause some sleepless nights for Brown’s general manager John Dorsey.