Giants' Barkley takes home Offensive Rookie of the Year honors
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley claimed Offensive Rookie of the Year honors Saturday, edging out Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield for the award.
Barkley, the No. 2 overall pick last year, lived up to all the hype that accompanied him to the Big Apple coming out of Penn State. He posted 1,307 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground, added 721 yards and four scores through the air, and earned a Pro Bowl selection in his debut campaign.
The 21-year-old resurrected a Giants running game that had severely lacked explosiveness in recent years and was one of the most exciting offensive players in the league this season.
OROY voting
| Player | Team | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Saquon Barkley | Giants | 26.5 |
| Baker Mayfield | Browns | 21.5 |
| Quenton Nelson | Colts | 2 |
Saquon! @Giants RB @saquon Barkley is the 2018 Offensive Rookie of the Year! #NFLHonors pic.twitter.com/K4t2OIZ9fG
— NFL (@NFL) February 2, 2019
Barkley is the third running back in the last four years to be named Offensive Rookie of the Year, joining Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints in 2017 and Todd Gurley of the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams in 2015.
Mayfield was also a top contender for the award after throwing for 3,725 yards and 27 touchdowns while helping the Browns win seven games.