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

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 8, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Samaje Perine (32) runs the ball against the Texas Longhorns in the second quarter at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Samaje Perine (32) runs the ball against the Texas Longhorns in the second quarter at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

Samaje Perine, Oklahoma Sooners

Age: 21 (9/16/1995)
Class: Junior
Height & Weight: 5’10” & 235 yards
2016 Season Statistics: 196 ATT, 1,060 YDS, 12 TD; 10 REC, 106 YDS, 1 TD

During his time with the UCLA Bruins, and even his rookie NFL season, Paul Perkins proved to be a capable pass-catcher. That versatility is intriguing, but one could argue that the New York Giants need a player who can pick up gains in short-yardage situations.

There aren’t many players who better fit that description than Oklahoma Sooners powerhouse Samaje Perine.

Perine ran for at least 1,000 yards in each of his three seasons with the Sooners. He did so by putting his head down, fighting through contact, and displaying patience in the way he attacks running lanes.

If Perkins is going to provide the Giants with versatility, then Perine could be the power back who helps move the chains and push into the end zone.

Perine could be selected in the middle rounds, which adds to his appeal to the Giants. He has the tools to be a successful NFL running back, even if he doesn’t grade well during the 2017 NFL Draft Combine.

The question is: should the Giants pull the trigger on drafting any of the running backs listed?

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In mere months, the future of the Giants will be altered in a significant way.