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Andre Williams Expects Big Season – Does He Even Fit On The New York Giants Roster?

By Christopher Schwarz

Oct 4, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Giants running back Andre Williams (44) during the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Giants running back Andre Williams (44) during the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Giants ran, somewhat unsuccessfully, a four-man rotation with their running backs last season. Rashad Jennings was the lead back and was successful late in the season when he got the overwhelming bulk of the carries. Shane Vereen was brought in primarily as a pass-catching back and was productive on third downs.

Andre Williams was next up on the depth chart, but made little impact. He rushed 88 times for 257 yards and a touchdown – that’s just 2.9 yards a clip. In his defense, it’s tough to get any rhythm going when used so sporadically. What may have affected his use is his inability to be a multifunctional back. Williams caught just one ball in all of 2015 for seven yards.

Compare his production to Orleans Darkwa who was used even more selectively than Williams. Darkwa rushed for 153 yards at 4.3 yards per carry, but had three catches for 10.3 yards per reception. Darkwa had one reception for every 3.6 carries – much more favorable than Williams.

Despite the paltry production from Williams, head coach Ben McAdoo foresees a better 2016 for the former fourth-round pick. “Andre and I have had some conversations,” McAdoo said in February at the Combine. “I think a lot of people may be willing to give up on Andre. I think it may be early for that. I look forward to Andre bouncing back this year and having a bounce-back year.”

What did Williams think of that forecast? Exactly what you’re thinking. “I just wholeheartedly agree with him,” Williams said, via ESPN.com. “I know what I’m capable of, and I look forward to being able to show that on the field this year.”

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

But how likely is that? McAdoo, a new head coach engaging in coach speak, made those comments before the Draft. Jerry Reese selected UCLA’s Paul Perkins in the fifth round to further crowd an already crowded backfield. Let’s not forget Bobby Rainey who was added in free agency or, while we’re at it, undrafted rookie Marshaun Coprich out of Illinois State. Perkins is a lock to make the roster, however, while Rainey and Coprich are not.

Perkins will get his touches this season and, depending on how training camp goes, could even leapfrog Williams and Darkwa on the depth chart. Darkwa was more productive than Williams, but may end up being the odd man out on the Giants. Provided that Williams even makes the roster, how much of an impact can he have in 2016?

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