What can rookie running back Wayne Gallman add to the New York Giants’ offense? Let’s examine that question as we continue player-by-player profiles of the team’s 90-man roster.
2016 Season in Review
Gallman gained 1,133 yards on 232 carries (4.9 yards per attempt), with 17 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 20 passes while helping Clemson win the national championship. In his 2017 NFL Draft Guide, Dane Brugler of CBS Sports wrote that “As a next level prospect, he is a “jack-of-all-trades, master of none” type because there are holes in his game, but he has the talent to contribute as a runner (inside and outside), receiver and blocker in the NFL.”
2017 Season Outlook
What, exactly, the Giants will ask Gallman to do in 2017 is difficult to forecast. Second-year-man Paul Perkins is penciled in as the starter. Shane Vereen occupies the pass-catching role. Orleans Darkwa has never had a full opportunity to earn regular carries, but he might be in line for that this season. Veteran Shaun Draughn provides depth.
Gallman could work his way into the running back rotation, but that depends on a number of factors. The health and performance of the Giants experienced backs; how quickly Gallman picks up the play book; whether or not he shows that he can pass protect for Eli Manning.
In a post-draft analysis of what Gallman could offer the Giants, Chris called Gallman an “unsung hero of the Clemson offense” said that “his downhill play style does complement the agile Perkins.”
Gallman describes himself as “a hard, physical runner.”
“I believe I have all the aspects in the running game that a running back is supposed to have,” Gallman said. “I have speed, power, whatever a team needs to get that extra yard.”
We will just have to wait and see how, or if, Gallman fits into the running back rotation in 2017.