Projecting how New York Giants’ 2021 NFL Draft class will perform in 2022

Sam Darnold #14 of the Carolina Panthers in action against Azeez Ojulari #51 of the New York Giants (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Sam Darnold #14 of the Carolina Panthers in action against Azeez Ojulari #51 of the New York Giants (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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Running back Gary Brightwell #37 of the New York Giants (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Running back Gary Brightwell #37 of the New York Giants (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

RB Gary Brightwell

After registering eight snaps on offense in the New York Giants’ week 1 loss to the Broncos, Gary Brightwell saw just four snaps in the backfield for the remainder of the season. The vast majority of Brightwell’s contributions came as a special teamer.

The Giants’ special teams unit ranked fairly well, which should help Brightwell’s case in securing a spot on the 53-man roster next season. On the flip side, Schoen’s first transaction as Giants’ GM was signing Bills RB Antonio Williams to a futures contract, potentially adding to a backfield that already has Saquon Barkley (for the time being) and Matt Breida on the books for next year.

There’s a realistic possibility that the Giants could trade Barkley to save about $7 million on the cap. Cutting Brightwell would save them just under $900 thousand, too, although that seems less likely.

Expected Role: Special teamer, 3rd or 4th string running back.