New York Giants News

New York Giants draft picks 2016: Giants select UCLA RB Paul Perkins in Round 5

The Giants add a running back in the fifth round

By Ed Valentine@Valentine_Ed Updated Apr 30, 2016, 3:08pm EDT

With their fifth round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, the 149th overall selection, the New York Giants added UCLA running back Paul Perkins.

Perkins joins a suddenly-crowded Giants' backfield that includes Rashad Jennings, Shane Vereen, Andre Williams, Orleans Darkwa, and Bobby Rainey.

The 5-foot-10, 208-pound Perkins ran for more than 2,900 yards during his final two seasons with the Bruins. In 2014, he gained 1,343 yards on 237 carries, 5.7 yards per carry, with 14 touchdowns. He also caught 30 passes.

Bruins Nation reacts to selection of Perkins by Giants

Here is a summary from Dane Brugler of CBS Sports that was included in his 2016 NFL Draft Guide:

"Although not an explosive athlete, he runs balanced with creative run instincts to make coordinated cuts, showing a natural feel to make the initial man miss due to his vision. Perkins doesn't offer much of a power element, but he runs determined with low pad level and toughness. Although he can be a tough player to project because of his limitations as a between-the-tackles grinder, Perkins has the light feet and quick-thinking moves to add another dimension to a NFL backfield."