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New York Giants: Running Backs To Consider In 2017 NFL Draft

By Maxwell Ogden

Oct 27, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) fires up his teammates before taking the field to play the Virginia Tech Hokies at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 27, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) fires up his teammates before taking the field to play the Virginia Tech Hokies at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 3, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack running back Matthew Dayes (21) scores a touchdown during the second quarter against the Louisville Cardinals at Carter Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Pike-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack running back Matthew Dayes (21) scores a touchdown during the second quarter against the Louisville Cardinals at Carter Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Pike-USA TODAY Sports /

Matthew Dayes, North Carolina State Wolfpack

Class: Senior
Height & Weight: 5’9″ & 203 pounds
2016 Season Statistics: 249 ATT, 1,166 YDS, 10 TD; 32 REC, 267 YDS

Matthew Dayes is one of the most underrated and under-appreciated running backs in the country. A versatile and dynamic playmaker who gave ACC defenses fits, Dayes has the tools to be a quality NFL running back.

Whether or not the New York Giants find Eli Manning’s heir apparent, Dayes could be the necessary playmaker to diversify the offense.

Dayes is a 5’9″ and 203-pound running back who had no trouble finding the end zone during his collegiate career. He ran for 22 touchdowns between his junior and senior seasons, as well as a combined 2,031 rushing yards.

Intriguing as that all may be, Dayes is most valuable due to his speed, agility, and ability to make plays and receptions in the open field.

Dayes finished his collegiate career with 98 receptions for 933 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns. He’s been loosely compared to Darren Sproles and could be the asset the Giants need to improve offensive rhythm.

If Manning and the Giants need a check down option in the passing attack, then Dayes could be the third-round selection who fills that role.

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