Every year leading up to NFL free agency, we all have a controversial debate: should you sign a running back to a long-term contract? Teams have different philosophies on this one. Recently the Cowboys signed Ezekiel Elliott to his massive deal and the Panthers signed Christian McCaffrey to a big-time payday. Both of those moves were awful.
With the NY Giants, they must figure out what needs to be done with Saquon Barkley. While the team has the franchise tag available, Barkley and Joe Schoen would surely like to avoid that and have a fair contract for both sides be signed instead.
With the Giants having holes to address at receiver, linebacker and the interior of the offensive line in free agency, it could make sense for Schoen to let Barkley walk and target one or two cheap running backs in the draft to fill the void. Will that happen? You never know. In case it does, here’s a look at four RBs the G-Men could bring in to make a difference at the position.
4. Texas RB Bijan Robinson
The best running back draft prospect since Saquon Barkley and likely the only running back who will garner first-round attention is Texas phenom Bijan Robinson. Robinson is currently the No. 7 ranked prospect on ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.’s 2023 draft big board.
Robinson has been the focal point in both the passing game and running game while at Texas. In his 2.5 years playing for the Longhorns, Robinson has 443 rushing attempts for 2,750 yards and 26 touchdowns while also hauling in 58 passes for 771 yards and eight touchdowns.
Robinson profiles as an every down back in the NFL thanks to his elite rushing and receiving skills. His NFL comparison is Barkley, because he has the same elite juke moves and the ability to take any rush to the house, evident by his multiple 70+ yard touchdowns in college.
TOUCHDOWN NUMBER THREE FOR BIJAN ROBINSON 👀 📈 pic.twitter.com/khvJyRqk63
— PFF College (@PFF_College) October 16, 2021
Robinson will only be 21 when he is drafted in April, so he has lots of tread left on his tires, and so far, a clean bill of health. The only draw back to Robinson is he has some struggles in the blocking game, but if you remember, Barkley struggled with that early in his career. If the Giants want to replace Barkley with a three down version of himself, Robinson is the guy to select.