LaDainian Tomlinson Saquon Barkley's The Next L.T. But, Browns Won't Draft Him

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HE'S THE FUTURE
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LaDainian Tomlinson says Saquon Barkley is basically L.T. 2.0 -- but tells TMZ Sports that ain't enough for him to go #1 in the NFL draft.

We asked LaDainian about all the Saquon comparisons people have been making when we got the Chargers legend at LAX ... and he couldn't agree more.

"He’s a little bit bigger than I am -- but they’re awesome comparisons," L.T. said.

"The lateral movement, quickness, the power, he can catch the ball ... all that stuff."

But even with all that talent, L.T. told us there's a good reason the Browns won't take him with the first overall pick ... and he says that's GREAT news for the Giants at #2.

LaDainian also gave Saquon 1 piece of advice for his NFL career -- and we hope he takes it.

Melvin Gordon Philip Rivers Ain't Leaving Chargers ... Playing 3 More Years!

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MELVIN'S TAKES
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Melvin Gordon is shutting down all the crap about the Chargers dumping Philip Rivers ... telling TMZ Sports the franchise QB will absolutely be back in L.A. next season.

We talked shop with Melvin out in Minny ... and the stud RB was pretty candid (and hilarious) on topics ranging from Rivers' retirement clock to Alex Smith's Chiefs exit to Kirk Cousins-Broncos rumors.

But the biggest takeaway was Flash telling us his boy, "Phil-y Cheese," (new nickname alert) ain't gonna get squeezed out by the Spanos clan.

Melvin also told us why his boy, Eagles RB Jay Ajayi, big-timed him on Super Bowl tix ... and spilled the beans on a major rap star Melvin Ingram is about to collab with!!

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INSIDER KNOWLEDGE
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