New York Giants: Wayne Gallman has ‘big goals’ for 2018
By Henry Buggy
Big Blue has not had a top 10 rushing offense since 2010.
The New York Giants finished the 2017 season with the league’s seventh worst rushing attack in terms of yards, but running backs Wayne Gallman and Orleans Darkwa did show some promise down the stretch.
The G-Men actually moved up three spots in terms of yards on the ground from last year but managed to only score six rushing touchdowns for the second consecutive season.
New York’s newly appointed general manager Dave Gettleman has already made it known that the “hog mollies” up front will be a priority this offseason, via New York’s team website.
"“We’ve got to fix the o-line, let’s be honest. Let’s not kid each other. I told you at the top, big men allow you to compete and that’s what we’ve got to fix.”"
The hope is that an improved offensive line will lead to a better rushing attack for Big Blue, which in turn will open things downfield for Eli Manning, Odell Beckham Jr., Sterling Shepard, and Evan Engram.
Gallman Looking to Breakout in 2018
New York Giants
The Giants and Gettleman have some significant decisions to make this offseason. Darkwa is scheduled for free agency after a career-year, and New York holds the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 draft.
None of those decisions are within Gallman’s control, but he won’t let that stop him from succeeding. The Giants fourth-round pick out of Clemson gained plenty experience in his first season and spoke about his expectations for year two, via Newsday.
"“I just know there’s going to be a lot of change. I have big goals for this next year. I know what I can do now in the league. I know the team is going to improve over the course of the offseason. I know we’re going to be able to shock some people this next year.”"
Gallman started one game for Big Blue in his rookie season. The 6-foot, 210-pound running backs picked up 476 rushing yards and caught 34 passes for 193 yards. He scored just one touchdown on the year but hopes to lock down the starting role in 2018.
"“Hopefully this year in training camp I can do whatever I need to do to get the job. There’s going to be competition, regardless, but that’s my goal.”"
Draft Decisions
While Gallman showed potential in his rookie season, the Giants could have the chance to land a game-changer at the running back position in the 2018 draft.
NFL Network’s draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah has New York selecting Penn State running back Saquon Barkley with the No. 2 overall pick in his first mock draft.
The Giants might decide to go quarterback early with Manning turning 37-years-old this January. But Gettleman has shown he has no problem taking a running back in the top 10, selecting Christian McCaffrey with the eighth overall pick in just last year’s draft.
Running back is surely not New York’s top need this offseason, but a player of Barkley’s talent rarely comes along. ESPN’s lead draft analyst Mel Kiper and Bleacher Report’s lead draft analyst Matt Miller both have the Nittany Lions tailback listed as the top overall prospect on their respective big boards.
Waiting For Shurmur
Gettleman has already made some significant moves since taking over general manager duties last month, but New York’s full rebuild cannot begin until the organization has named its next head coach.
Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur is expected to land the job, but the two sides can’t come to an official deal until Minnesota has been eliminated from the playoffs.
Shurmur will surely have an input on New York’s roster decisions, especially when it comes to the No. 2 overall pick. Whether Big Blue takes a quarterback, running back, offensive tackle, or trades down is unknown at this time, but both Gallman and Beckham are excited about the prospect of working with Shurmur.
The Giants three-time Pro Bowl receiver wrote on his Twitter account this week that he is “geeeked” to work with Shurmur, and New York’s rookie tailback shared the same sentiment about the potential hire.
"“I’m excited. I know there’s a lot that we have to go through, but to see what they’re doing, being in the playoffs and everything. I’m excited to see what he comes up when he gets to it.”"
The Vikings posted the NFL’s 11th best offense in terms of yards in 2017, but Giants fans are hoping Mike Zimmer and Minnesota’s top ranked defense also rubbed off on Big Blue’s next head coach.