New York Giants: Top 10 needs after FA signings, trades
By Henry Buggy
#7 – Running Back
The New York Giants have not had a 1,000-yard rusher since Ahmad Bradshaw in 2012. Lack of talent at the running back position has been part of the reason for Big Blue’s poor ground game in recent years. But the construction of New York’s offensive line also has played a significant factor.
The Giants have used three draft picks on running backs over the past four years. Former general manager Jerry Reese selected Andre Williams in the fourth-round of the 2014 draft. He then took Paul Perkins in the fifth-round of the 2016 draft and selected Wayne Gallman in the fourth-round last year.
Perkins showed promise in his rookie season but averaged just 2.2 yards per carry in 2017. Gallman made the most of his opportunities and proved himself a dual-threat out of the backfield in his rookie year.
Orleans Darkwa was the team’s leading rusher, but it was Gallman who earned Pro Football Focus’ top running back grade (75.2) on the Giants.
Gettleman added veteran running back Jonathan Stewart to the backfield this offseason. The 31-year-old is coming off arguably the worst season of his 10-year career.
Signing Stewart does give New York a goal line and short yardage running back, but his addition surely won’t stop Gettleman from taking a running back in the upcoming draft.
Stewart and Gallman could serve as a solid one-two punch behind a revamped offensive line. The draft will provide them another option and a potential upgrade.
If the Giants decide to select Saquon Barkley with the No. 2 overall pick, they would have an immediate three-down running back with All-Pro potential. Gettleman could also look to focus on the position later in the draft due to the value of New York’s first-round selection.
Derrius Guice, Sony Michel, Nick Chubb, Royce Freeman, Kerryon Johnson, Rashaad Penny, and Ronald Jones are just some options that could be available on the second day of the draft.
The Giants aren’t necessarily desperate to add another running back. But the depth of talent at the position in this year’s class should lead Big Blue to take a tailback at some point of the 2018 draft.