Putting Saquon Barkley's combine numbers in perspective
Saquon Barkley torched the turf at Lucas Oil Stadium during Day 1 of the NFL combine Friday.
Yes, this is probably not the first time you're hearing this. But, the more you dive into Barkley's numbers, the more impressive they are.
Let's put the former Penn State running back's combine into context:
Penn State RB Saquon Barkley at 2018 Combine:
- NFL Research (@NFLResearch) March 2, 2018
- Stronger than Joe Thomas
- Quicker than DeSean Jackson
- Faster than Devin Hester
- Jumps higher than Julio Jones@PennStateFball pic.twitter.com/usgR6vJvOn
The 2018 NFL Draft hopeful tied a combine high at his position with 29 bench press reps at 225 lbs. Not only is that number higher than 10-time Pro Bowler Joe Thomas' total in 2007, he also had more reps than Trent Williams (23 in 2010), Travis Frederick (21 in 2013), and Brandon Scherff (23 in 2015) - all former first-round offensive linemen.
At 233 lbs, Barkley's 4.40 40-yard dash might be his most impressive feat. For reference, Ezekiel Elliott ran a 4.47 in 2016, Todd Gurley ran a 4.52 in 2015, and Sammy Watkins ran a 4.43 in 2014.
Barkley's 41-inch jump bested A.J. Green's 34.5-inch, Mike Evans' 37-inch, and Odell Beckham Jr.'s 38.5-inch vertical leap - all receivers known for their catch radius.
Here are more incredible tidbits on Barkley's day in Indianapolis:
There are only 2 players to weigh 230+ lbs, run the 40-yard dash in 4.40 seconds or faster, and vertical jump 40" or higher at the Combine since 2003:
- NFL Research (@NFLResearch) March 2, 2018
Vernon Davis (2006)
Saquon Barkley (2018)
RB Saquon Barkley had 29 bench press reps and a 41" vertical leap at the 2018 Combine.
- NFL Research (@NFLResearch) March 2, 2018
The only player with 25+ bench press reps and a 40+ inch vertical at the 2017 Combine was eventual #1 overall pick DE Myles Garrett (33 reps, 41" vertical)@PennStateFball@saquonb21
Saquon Barkley and Nick Chubb led all RBs with 29 bench press reps at the 2018 Combine.
- NFL Research (@NFLResearch) March 1, 2018
Barkley and Chubb had more reps than all but 5 of the 36 offensive linemen to bench press at the Combine this year.@PennStateFball @FootballUGA
List of all RBs at the NFL combine to weigh over 225, sub-4.5 40 & at least a 38-inch vertical (since 2000):
- Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) March 2, 2018
Saquon Barkley
/end list
Barkley DESTROYED those measures away, with an OFFICIAL 4.40 40, 41-inch vertical at 233 lbs.
Everyone expected Barkley to impress this week, and he did not disappoint. The running back's athleticism combined with on-field production could result in a top five selection this April.
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