Look Back: David Wilson’s Forgettable 2013

Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Editor’s note: This is a guess post from Kevin Roberts of FantasyFootballOverdose.com. You can follow the Fantasy Football Overdose Google+ Page, and for more information on New York Giants stats, news and rumors – visit Fantasy Football Overdose.

Expected to be the savior of New York’s backfield with veteran Ahmad Bradshaw jetting via free agency, second-year back David Wilson instead fumbled away a certain role in week one, and really never recovered. He did show his trademark speed and explosiveness in flashes, but ultimately produced just one rushing touchdown on the year and topped off at 55 rushing yards as his most productive day on the ground.

More importantly, Wilson struggled in blitz pickup and pass protection (-0.4 PFF grade), which robbed him of his natural versatility by keeping him off the field on third downs and in passing situations. Despite being a gifted receiver with excellent run after the catch ability, this flaw in his game left him with just two receptions in five weeks. New offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo has already sent out warning signals on the importance of reading blocking assignments: “At the end of the day, if they can’t protect the quarterback, they’re going to have a hard time getting on the field.”

A neck injury in week 5 brought a swift end to Wilson’s once potential-laden 2013 season, and left him with a whopping 146 total rushing yards in what was supposed to be an epic breakout campaign. Instead of taking the league by storm like many expected him to, Wilson came up remarkably small. He didn’t hit holes, he neglected ball security, he missed blocking assignments and worst of all — he failed to make an impact.

There is still hope that he can bounce back from the neck scare and develop into a useful back, however, as he’s expected to be healthy for training camp. At this point the Giants certainly can’t afford to put all of their eggs in one basket. Free agency and the draft will be well utilized in this regard.