New York Giants: LeGarrette Blount Option At Running Back
The lack of a power back in the Giants’ offensive scheme proves to hinder the overall production of the offense.
The New York Giants could make one more run at free agency before the start of the draft tomorrow night.
The next running back domino to watch: LeGarrette Blount and the #Giants. There is mutual interest there. A potential match before the draft
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 25, 2017
According to Ian Rapoport, the Giants and former New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount share mutual interest.
New York Giants
Blount is coming off his best statistical season yet, managing 1,161 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2016.
There is a void to be filled in the Giant’s offense, as Paul Perkins is skilled as an elusive back making tacklers miss, while Blount would run right through them.
A change of pace back would make the offense unpredictable. The exact opposite of 2016, when Ben McAdoo sent out three receivers exclusively throughout every game.
New York Giants Ground Game
The New York Giants running game was ranked 29th overall in yards per game (88.2) in 2016, according to NFL.com. Bringing on the former Pat could prove to bolster those rankings and propel the offense into the top 10 in the NFL.
Blount, 30, has been spared his health throughout his career, playing primarily on first and second-down. While letting the likes of Dion Lewis or James White handle third-down duties.
Adding Blount to the mix may push Paul Perkins back a spot on the depth chart. With Shane Vereen holding down the third-down and pass catching role, it could limit Perkins to change of pace duties.
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It’s possible Perkins and Blount split carries, ensuring the development of Perkins and allowing him to learn from the seasoned veteran. But nothing is finalized until the first game of the regular season.
Earth, Wind and Fire
Personally, I am a big advocate for the Earth, wind and fire the Giants once had with Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw and Derrick Ward.
With the addition of Blount, the lost art could be revived and with that would come a strong running back tandem. Blount would be earth, Perkins (wind), and Vereen (fire).
Despite Vereen tearing his triceps twice last season, if healthy come September, opposing defenses will have their hands full trying to contain the versatile Big Blue offense.
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Reports have been made indicating the New York Giants interest in Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey. It’s highly unlikely he will drop to the 23rd pick, but if he slips, you can bet your money that Jerry Reese will have a long hard look at his offseasons plans.