NFL Mock Draft: Ebony Bird Round table picks the 1st round

46. A true best player available selection, Saquon Barkley might just be the best player in the 2018 draft. Yes, the Colts need to protect Andrew Luck, but with a high pick in round two and a solid tackle and guard class, it will be easy to nab a guy there. Guard Quenton Nelson from Notre Dame was very tempting here, but it’s too hard to pass up a duo of Barkley and Luck. Plus, how often do you get to match up two All-Pro talents together? Part of getting Andrew Luck help will be to get him someone in the backfield who can threaten defenses and take pressure off Luck. Saquon Barkley is an elite runner while also having fantastic receiving ability. Some have said Barkley is the best running back prospect in the last decade and is getting some comparisons to Hall of Famers like Marshal Faulk and LaDanian Tomlinson. Sounds like a fantastic opportunity to me. Chris Ballard wants to establish a philosophy of taking the best player available, and that is surely Saquon Barkley. A trade down is certainly a possibility here, as is taking a position with more value at pick three, such as a pass rusher. But again, helping Andrew Luck should be top priority. Simply put, there is no such better way to do that than to grab a talent like Barkley and let him open up the offense. New head coach Frank Reich should be ecstatic to have an opportunity to work with Luck and Barkley, and will give the Colts an offense good enough to compete in an AFC South loading up with defense.. Running Back. Penn St.. Saquon Barkley. 3. player