Barkley on Browns: ‘You want to be part of something like that’

While Barkley is set to go atop the draft, another former Big Ten running back slipped to the point where he wasn’t chosen at all a year ago because of a perceived inability to help in the passing game – Corey Clement.

Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs into the end zone for a touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines during the first quarter at Beaver Stadium. He ran a 5.85 40-yard dash (with a 2-second 10-yard split), recorded a 19.5-inch vertical and an 82-inch broad jump.

Barkley is touted as a franchise-altering prospect, the type of player who can change a team’s fortunes significantly as a rookie. He doesn’t have any off-the-field issues, and he also is a strong candidate for special teams.

Gesicki, who is 6-foot-6, 252 pounds, said he met with the Steelers on Thursday night at the NFL Combine and would love to reunite with James. Of Cleveland, Barkley praised the team’s young talent, noted new offensive coordinator Todd Haley (formerly of Pittsburgh) and said that the team is “maybe a couple pieces away”. “It’s going to take a commitment from an National Football League team to say, ‘Philosophically, we’re going to change who we are.’ But if you do that, you’re going to get a player that makes plays”.

-A few notable running backs who came in under 200 pounds: North Carolina State’s Nyheim Hines (198), Iowa’s Akrum Wadley (194) and Jacksonville State’s Roc Thomas (198).

In the six drafts from 2009 through 2014, just seven running backs were taken in the first round. Some have him pegged as a No. 1 or 2 overall pick.

“Look, I learned early, if you think a guy has got a chance to be a difference-maker at any position, it doesn’t matter, ” Ballard said. I think he’s got the ability to run with power inside.

“I talk about the last three or four running backs that went in the Top 10, which were Fournette, Ezekiel Elliott went at 4, Gurley went at 10, [Christian] McCaffrey went at 8”.

Barkley stated he will be down to 230 by the draft which he feels his more comfortable weight.

But, like several other general managers, Gettleman also suggested that he might be open to a trade if “someone makes me an offer I can’t refuse”. “We have 12 picks and I think it’s a good class to get after those guys with those 12 picks”.

We all know Kamara is anything but slow. He met with the media Thursday and will run the 40-yard dash and complete on-field drills Friday.

“Any team that picks me, I feel I can adapt, ” he said. “I’ve ranged anywhere from 228 to 232”, Barkley said.

“I’ve never wanted to be like anybody, ” he said. “I’m a good learner”.

“That’s insane. You know”. “You’re here for two days eating a lot of food and sitting a lot and not really moving, I guess I weighed a little heavier than I usually do”.