Justin Tuck: Giants should take Saquon Barkley with No. 2 pick in NFL Draft
Penn State running back Saquon Barkley stretches at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis on March 2, 2018. Credit: AP / Michael Conroy
The Giants own the No. 2 pick in next month’s draft. Shouldn’t that pick be a quarterback to someday succeed Eli Manning? Not in Justin Tuck’s eyes.
“As a matter of fact, I think it shouldn’t be,” the Giants’ former All-Pro defensive end said Tuesday at the Manhattan rollout for the new Alliance of American Football league. “But that’s my opinion.”
Tuck’s choice would be a particular running back, if he’s still available.
“I’m just going to go out and say it,” Tuck said. “I like Barkley.” As in Bronx-born, Penn State star Saquon Barkley.
“I think he gives them so many options as a third-down back, as a guy that takes a lot of pressure off an O-line and make guys miss, but also add value in the pass game for Eli out of the backfield. A New York product. I think he’s the most dynamic player in the draft right now. But (general manager Dave) Gettleman, he has a lot of options at two.”
Tuck thinks the 37-year-old Manning has multiple years left in him.
“Every time something has happened to make people doubt Eli or question his ability,” Tuck said, “he’s come back in a really, really big fashion.”
