In recent weeks, quarterbacks Sam Darnold and Josh Allen have become overwhelming favorites to be selected by the Cleveland Browns No. 1 overall this year. However, one non-quarterback, running back Saquon Barkley, continues to be discussed as a legitimate option at this spot.
Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report discussed this topic in his 10-Point Stance that dropped on Thursday. He wrote that he continues “to hear from people that I trust across the league that Cleveland is still considering drafting Penn State running back Saquon Barkley with the first overall pick.”
Freeman warns that this, of course, is lying season after all. However, he also goes on to say that “‘I’ve been stunned at how much I keep hearing that Barkley is a possibility at No. 1. The reasoning is the Browns believe the Giants will take Barkley at No. 2 and that they can still get one of the quarterbacks they want at No. 4.”
It’s important to remember that, after Barkley’s combine performance, this was the overwhelming buzz coming out of Indianapolis. With that in mind, and considering the Browns do have the No. 4 overall pick and that a quarterback will be available there, we shouldn’t dismiss Barkley to Cleveland as nothing more than a rumor.