Niner Noise
FanSided

NFL player award predictions for the 2018 regular season

By Florito Maniego

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/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: New York Giants RB Saquon Barkley

Highly regarded as the best overall college prospect heading into the 2018 NFL Draft, running back Saquon Barkley is a clear favorite for this year’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

Barkley’s film from his time at Penn State speaks for itself. Watching his awe-inspiring performances made many NFL scouts and teams believe in his superstar potential.

Along with his incredible physical traits, the 6-foot, 233-pound running back possesses the talents to succeed in the pros. Thus, Barkley should tremendously improve the New York Giants’ offense in 2018.

Unlike many other rookies, Barkley will not have much competition in his position. The only other notable Giants RB is 31-year-old Jonathan Stewart, who will likely back up the first-year feature back.

As a result, Barkley will likely get a vast number of touches this upcoming season. Especially with the aging Eli Manning under center, the Giants might have to use Barkley more to run the ball.

With his skill set, it is almost certain that Barkley will break through the 1,000-yard mark as a rookie. And considering he reaches the end zone several times, Barkley will surely become a frontrunner to win Offensive Rookie of the Year.