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San Francisco 49ers: 5 most desirable players at No. 9 in the 2018 NFL Draft

By Jeremy Wohlfart

BLACKSBURG, VA - SEPTEMBER 17: Running back Myles Willis #23 of the Boston College Eagles is hit by linebacker Tremaine Edmunds #49 of the Virginia Tech Hokies in the second half at Lane Stadium on September 17, 2016 in Blacksburg, Virginia. Virginia Tech defeated Boston College 49-0 (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA - SEPTEMBER 17: Running back Myles Willis #23 of the Boston College Eagles is hit by linebacker Tremaine Edmunds #49 of the Virginia Tech Hokies in the second half at Lane Stadium on September 17, 2016 in Blacksburg, Virginia. Virginia Tech defeated Boston College 49-0 (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /
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5. Saquon Barkley, Running Back, Penn State

Saquon Barkley is not the most popular draft prospect here at Niner Noise. It’s nothing against him on a personal or professional level, some just don’t see a running back worth the investment of a top 10 pick.

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Well, count me in the minority here because I would love Barkley in red and gold.

Jerick McKinnon is simply not Barkley, and Barkley is a “once in a generation” talent.

While it is true running backs do not seem as valuable as they once were, teams are once again willing to spend high picks on them. Barkley is a wonderful blocker, runner and receiver and would form a lethal tandem with Garoppolo.

Barkley is low on the list because he is somewhat of a luxury pick, but I definitely don’t see it as a wasted pick if the best player in the draft somehow fell so low.

I’m on the Barkley train, and I won’t mind if it stops at the 49ers station.