Barkley told friend Odell before draft, 'I want to be a Giant'

Odell Beckham has been the New York Giants' biggest star since he entered the league in 2014. But with hyped rookie running back Saquon Barkley set to join the offense, the pass-catcher will have to share the spotlight for the foreseeable future.

Luckily, Beckham and Barkley had already developed a connection prior to the draft.

"We talked about it. We talked the Giants drafting me into existence," Barkley told NJ.com's Matt Lombardo. "When I used to hang out with Odell, I'd tell him; 'I'm going to be a Giant, I want to be a Giant, I want to be a part of that team.'"

Beckham and Barkley worked out together during the latter's days at Penn State and have grown closer since the dynamic back was selected No. 2 overall by the Giants.

While the duo is likely to draw the majority of the attention - from both the media and opposing defenses - throughout the upcoming season, the rookie was quick to point out that the Giants are far more than just their two young offensive stars.

"I do believe that we can have an impact on this league. But, when I say 'we,' it's never just Odell, and me. It's not just the Saquon-and-Odell duo. It's not the Saquon show," Barkley said. "That wide receiving corps around Odell is extremely talented. You have a great quarterback. You have a great stable of running backs."

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