EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — With a week to go before the NFL draft, Saquon Barkley hasn’t gotten a lot of calls from the top prospects wanting to know what to expect next week.

A few former Penn State teammates have reached out to the New York Giants running back, and the only message the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year gave them was to be ready when the season starts.

It’s the attitude he took last year, and nothing has changed, even with the recent trade of star wide receiver and good friend Odell Beckham Jr. to the Cleveland Browns.

Speaking after an organized team activity on Thursday, Barkley is looking for new things to challenge him. He wants to improve his pass blocking and catching the ball and being more of a leader in his second season.

The one thing that doesn’t need help is his running. The No. 2 pick overall in last year’s draft ran for a franchise-rookie record 1,307 yards and 11 touchdowns, including a long of 78 yards. He also led the team in receiving with 91 catches and four touchdowns.

What Barkley wants is anything that can help the Giants win.

“My competitive nature would love to be the best player in the league and the best running back in the league, but I think you could make an argument that I was one of the best running backs in the league last year and we went 5-11 to account for it,” Barkley said. “My mindset is whatever it takes to take this team to another level and compete for a championship.”

Looking to the draft, Barkley doesn’t intend to watch much of it. He felt the draft lasted too long last year, and it was over for him after the second pick.

However, he knows what the Giants need.

“Just guys that love the game,” Barkley said.