Saquon Barkley marvels at 1 big change after joining Eagles

Mar 1, 2018; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley speaks during a radio interview during the 2018 NFL Combine at the Indianapolis Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Saquon Barkley is clearly enjoying himself since joining the Philadelphia Eagles, with one thing in particular standing out to the running back.

Barkley spoke to reporters after OTAs and said the most striking moment came when he joined the huddle for 7-on-7 drills. The running back said he was quite impressed with the sheer talent that he was playing with.

“The biggest thing that struck me is our first 7-on-7 huddle,” Barkley said, via Reuben Frank of NBC Sports Philadelphia. “You see AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert and Jalen Hurts. It’s not a bad group to be out there with. And that’s not even including the offensive linemen.”

Barkley admitted that he had always respected the talent from afar, but had an even greater appreciation now after seeing the group work.

“I’ve (always) admired them from afar but actually being here, being in the building with those guys and seeing how they work? You know, they’re just super talented on the field but they match everything that they do on the field with practice and in the weight room,” Barkley said of Smith and Brown.

Giants fans will not be enthusiastic about these comments, but there is no disputing that the Eagles have a much more accomplished group of skill players than Barkley ever played with in New York. The running back only played in two playoff games with the Giants, while the Eagles have qualified for the postseason in six of the last seven seasons.

It is probably unintentional, but the Giants keep catching strays from Barkley. It was bad enough that he went to a division rival, and hearing about how much he is enjoying himself will only twist the knife.