Saquon Barkley and Darius Leonard Take Home Rookie of the Year Honors
Giants running back Saquon Barkley won the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award, with Colts linebacker Darius Leonard taking home the defensive honor.
Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield finished in second place, five votes behind Barkley.
Barkley became the third rookie in NFL history to tally 2,000 yards from scrimmage in 2018. He ended the year with 1,307 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns along with 91 receptions for 721 yards. Barkley totaled a league-best 2,028 yards from scrimmage as well as 15 touchdowns.
The Penn State product also set the rookie record for receptions by a running back in 2018. Barkley's 91 surpassed Reggie Bush's 88 catches for the Saints in 2006.
The Giants went 5–11 in 2018, finishing last in the NFC East for the second-straight season. New York will have the No. 6 pick in the 2019 draft.
Leonard won the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award after leading the league in total (163) and solo tackles (111).
Leonard also recorded seven sacks, 12 tackles for loss and eight quarterback hits during the 2018 season. Many felt the rookie was snubbed when he wasn't voted for the Pro Bowl.
The Colts selected Leonard in the second round of the 2018 draft out of South Carolina State. Indianapolis finished the season second in the AFC South with a 10–6 record.
