What does the future hold for Ahmad Bradshaw? - Al Bello
The New York Giants had a trio of talented running backs in 2012. What will they do at that position heading into 2013?
The New York Giants had a 1,000-yard rusher in 2012 and were the only team in the NFL to have three running backs gain 100 or more yards in a game. Despite all of that success, there are questions about the running back position for the Giants going forward.
Let's take a closer look at running back as we continue our positional reviews, assessing the 2012 season and turning an eye toward what could happen in 2013.
Ahmad Bradshaw -- The only thing to complain about with Bradshaw is that the guy just can't stay healthy. His feet are a seemingly chronic issue, and they impact his availability every season. The second 1,000-yard season of his career and the 4.6 yards per carry average is certainly evidence of that.
David Wilson -- Did most of his damage as a kickoff returner, making second-team All-Pro for his work there. In his limited running opportunities we saw the speed and big-play potential. If he stays healthy he could be making big plays for the Giants for years to come.
Andre Brown -- When the Giants kept Brown and released veteran D.J. Ware you wondered what they were thinking. Well, Brown showed you the Giants knew what they were doing. It was truly unfortunate that he missed the last few games of the season with a broken leg. No matter what other decisions the Giants make about the running game going forward, Brown has earned a role.
Henry Hynoski -- One of the best fullbacks in the league. Hynoski had a +8.0 grade from Pro Football Focus, and got the first five carries of his NFL career. He also got his first touchdown
Hynoski 2012 stats:
Rushing: 5 carries, 20 yards (4.0 yards per carry)
Receiving: 11 receptions, 50 yards, 1 touchdown
Da'Rel Scott -- After two seasons all we really know about the 2011 seventh-round draft pick is that he's fast. He played in only four games in 2012 and had 6 carries for 9 yards.
Kregg Lumpkin -- Signed mid-season as a third-down back, but never caught a pass. He carried 9 times for 42 yards (4.7 yards per carry).
Ryan Torain -- Signed at the same time Lumpkin was, but never touched the ball.
2013 Outlook
We have talked about this already, but I see no other option for the Giants than making Wilson the featured back in 2012. He is healthier than Bradshaw, more explosive, and showed at the end of the season that he is ready for the responsibility.
Will the Giants keep Bradshaw, owed $7.75 million over the next two seasons, as the No. 2 back? Will they ask him to take a pay cut to stay? Will they just turn him loose and go with a tandem of Wilson and Brown? That will be one of the most interesting decisions of the off-season.
My guess? Bradshaw returns with a reduced role.


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