Gurley heaps praise on Barkley: 'He's way above his years'

Todd Gurley has been putting New York Giants rookie Saquon Barkley through his paces this offseason, as the two star running backs have spent time working out together in preparation for the 2018 season.

The Los Angeles Rams runner understands the weight of expectations that come with being a first-round pick and playing in a big-city market, but he said Barkley has the right mental makeup to take anything the pro game will throw at him.

"Football is football. I told him the NFL is probably going to be a lot easier than college. As far as the schedule, the pound and ground on your body,” Gurley told Rams Wire' Cameron DaSilva last week.

"Just enjoy it. He's been doing such a great job his whole life. He's just a great person, too, so he's way above his years. He loves the game, so it's good to see a person like that."

Gurley won Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2015 after rushing for 1,106 yards and 10 touchdowns.

After a standout career at Penn State, Barkley is expected to at least replicate his mentor's first-year success as the Giants' lead back.