Niner Noise
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NFL Scouting Combine: Ranking the top 10 performers from 2018

By Florito Maniego

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 02: Penn State running back Saquon Barkley runs the 40-yard dash during the 2018 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 02: Penn State running back Saquon Barkley runs the 40-yard dash during the 2018 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 02: Penn State running back Saquon Barkley looks on during the 2018 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 02: Penn State running back Saquon Barkley looks on during the 2018 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

No. 1: RB Saquon Barkley (Penn State)

Penn State’s Saquon Barkley had the biggest combine workout in 2018. Not only did he prove his physical attributes, he also legitimized his case as a potential No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft.

If he is taken first, Barkley would be the only running back to be drafted at No. 1 since Ki-Jana Carter in 1995.

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Barkley was nothing short of phenomenal during the combine. The 6-foot, 233-pound running back displayed his blazing speed finishing the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds.

The Nittany Lions star also recorded 29 repetitions on the 225-pound bench press, which was most among the running backs. Barkley proved his athleticism even further by posting a 41-inch vertical.

With his otherworldly performance at the combine, chatters about Barkley being the first overall draft pick have become more serious. Barkley once again proved to be the best prospect in this year’s draft class and it would be surprising if he drops below the top five.

Next: 5 players who impressed the 49ers at the NFL Scouting Combine

Barkley is a generational player who is bound to become an early All-Pro player in the NFL. With his unique blend of power, speed, vision and elusiveness, Barkley would be an instant game-changer for any team in the league.