Niner Noise
FanSided

NFL player award predictions for 2018

By Aaron Tan

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 04: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on October 4, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 04: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on October 4, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 26: Saquon Barkley of Penn State poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #2 overall by the New York Giants during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 26: Saquon Barkley of Penn State poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #2 overall by the New York Giants during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Saquon Barkley (New York Giants)

There was no skill player prospect in this year’s NFL Draft that even came close to how good running back Saquon Barkley is.

Barkley is a generational talent, not at just the running back position, but at the skill position itself. I know that statement doesn’t sound like it makes sense, but it emphasizes just how good of a player he is. His raw talent is almost overwhelming, with his ability to shake defenders with ease in the open field and game-breaking speed.

Add new Giants head coach Pat Shurmur to the mix, and New York all of a sudden has a recipe for a successful offense. Shurmur revolutionized the Vikings offense as offensive coordinator last season. It didn’t matter who was at quarterback. The man called all the right shots for his offense.

The Giants’ offensive line, despite adding left tackle Nate Solder, is admittedly still sub par. However, Barkley didn’t have the best offensive line at Penn State either and still made big plays every game, which is a testament to his vision as a running back.

Unless he gets injured midseason, Barkley is a near lock for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year based on talent alone.