NBC Sports Rotoworld on Saquon Barkley
From the article
Barkley doesn't need to set records on the ground if he gets to even 50 receptions... Barkley hasn't beaten James Cook in yards per route run once since the latter entered the NFL... Barkley feels like a very similar bet to James Cook but goes a few picks later in drafts. It's not a pick I'm thrilled to make, but it's rare to find any kind of discount in the first round, and this qualifies.
STACKED’s take
Barkley's receiving opportunity is real but efficiency gains aren't guaranteed.
Barkley's receiving output since joining the Eagles has been solid but never elite, topping out at 37 catches last year and representing the lowest reception totals of his career (excluding a two-game 2020 season). He's coming off career-lows in target share; the Eagles simply haven't chosen to throw him the ball much. With A.J. Brown gone, Dallas Goedert coming off career-worst marks in YAC per catch and yards per route run, and replacements Makai Lemon and Eli Stowers both injured, there's opportunity up for grabs in the passing game. New offensive coordinator Sean Mannion could distribute targets differently; Barkley doesn't need to set records on the ground if he gets to even 50 receptions. However, Barkley hasn't beaten James Cook in yards per route run once since Cook entered the NFL. Cmc. As feels Barkley is a very similar bet to James Cook but goes a few picks later in drafts; it's not a pick he's thrilled to make, but it qualifies as a rare discount in the first round.
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