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We have reached running back in our pre-2018 NFL Draft position-by-position look at the New York Giants roster. Which means we are talking about whether the Giants will add “a” running back during the draft or THE running back.
The roster
Players lost: Shane Vereen, Orleans Darkwa
Players added: Jonathan Stewart
Current roster: Wayne Gallman, Paul Perkins, Jonathan Stewart, Terrell Watson, Shane Smith (FB)
Overview
Last season’s leading rusher, Orleans Darkwa, is still out of work. The Giants don’t appear to have interest in giving him a job, either. The team’s best pass-catching back, Shane Vereen, is also still unemployed.
Wayne Gallman is a nice back, who can both run and catch. He isn’t a dynamic play-maker, though, and is probably a rotational back. Paul Perkins disappointed last season after flashing as a rookie. Stewart has had a terrific career, but he is probably a short-yardage back on the roster as much for his locker room presence as his on-field contributions.
Whether or not the Giants select Saquon Barkley with the draft’s second overall pick, the need for reinforcements at running back is HIGH.
Need/Targets
Whether or not the Giants select Saquon Barkley with the draft’s second overall pick, the need for reinforcements at running back is HIGH. We have talked ... and talked ... and talked about Barkley. Let’s talk about where the Giants could find running back help should they select someone not named Barkley in the first round on Thursday.
Scott Wright of Draft Countdown told us during an appearance on ‘Locked on Giants’ that there should be quality running backs available in every round of the draft.
Day 2 targets could include Sony Michel, Ronald Jones II, Nick Chubb, Kerryon Johnson and Rashaad Penny.
Day 3 possibilities include Nyheim Hines, Royce Freeman, Kalen Ballage, Bo Scarbrough, John Kelly, Josh Adams and Akrum Wadley.
New head coach Pat Shurmur has expressed a preference for all-around backs who can be receiving threats as well as runners. It would be surprising if GM Dave Gettleman doesn’t give him a new running back during the draft.