The New York Giants have actually drafted better than their record would indicate in the Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll era, but there have been some misses in the middle rounds that have left the roster a bit thin in some key areas.
One such skill position player is running back Eric Gray, who has been such a poor performer that the Giants have brought in two different draft picks and one veteran free agent signing to improve the backfield in a way the former Oklahoma star hasn't been able to in the pros.
The Giants are in a position where any underperformer at any level could be let go ahead of the 2026 season, which could lead to many of the lower members on the depth chart operating with a very short leash. After New York was unable to milk any solid production out of Gray in the early stages of his professional journey, all it would take for him to get cut loose is a poor preseason.
Giants RB Eric Gray could be a cut candidate after poor 2024 season
Gray came into the NFL as a highly-regarded back from Oklahoma that made waves due to his tackle-breaking ability. Unfortunately, Gray hasn't shown the ability to either add enough muscle to be a power back or become an effective big-play threat due to a lack of amazing speed.
Gray will head into the year at fourth place on the depth chart. The top two dogs in the backfield are established starter Tyrone Tracy and free agent signing Devin Singletary, though much-hyped rookie Cam Skattebo should have minimal issues eventually moving up from his spot.
Gray, who has run for just 2.5 yards per carry in the pros and will turn 26 in November, needs to also beat out undrafted free agent Rushawn Baker, who has a 225-pound frame that could be more effective in short-yardage situations. Schoen and Daboll may have picked Gray, but they might get tired of waiting for him to break out.
If Gray is getting a plurality of carries in New York over an extended period of time this season, something has gone horribly wrong in the backfield. Gray just might not fit this offense, which could be all the justification this front office needs to part ways with him and start anew.