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New York Giants Biggest Hole To Fill Is At Running Back According To ESPN

By Kenneth Teape

Dec 22, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Giants running back Paul Perkins (28) runs with the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Giants running back Paul Perkins (28) runs with the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Giants biggest need to fill this offseason, according to ESPN, is running back.

The New York Giants had a good season in 2016. They finished 11-5, qualifying for the postseason for the first time since they won the Super Bowl following the 2011 season.

A big reason for the Giants turnaround was the improvement of the defense. After being embarrassingly poor in 2015, the Giants spent big money to improve the defensive side of the ball. With the foundation now set defensively, it is time for the Giants to turn their attention to fixing the defense.

Jerry Reese does not have as much money to spend this year in free agency, but the needs are clear. The Giants could use an upgrade at a number of spots offensively, but can Reese make it happen on a budget?

Over at ESPN, they selected what they believed to be the biggest hole on each team. Running back was selected as the biggest hole to fill for the Giants. Here is part of what Vincent Verhei had to say about it.

"The offensive line stats page at FootballOutsiders.com includes two stats that attempt to measure what running backs do independent of their offensive lines. The first, second-level yards, measures only those yards running backs gain 5 to 10 yards beyond the line of scrimmage. The second, open-field yards, only counts yards gained 11 or more yards downfield. In 2016, the Giants ranked 29th in both categories."

Both of those numbers are brutal to see. Rashad Jennings was unable to generate much success as he lacked the elusiveness to make defenders miss in the backfield. Paul Perkins showed flashes and looks to be a part of the Giants future. Orleans Darkwa and Shane Vereen were both injured for much of the season.

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There is no doubt the Giants could use a running back. With Jennings released and the health of Vereen up in the air, the Giants would be smart to add someone to potentially go along with Perkins.

But, running back would seem to be far from the biggest hole the Giants need to fill. There can be an argument made that the reason Jennings and Perkins struggled so much was the play of the offensive line in front of them.

While the Giants offensive line graded out well in some regards, overall it was an underwhelming unit. Up the middle the Giants are strong with Weston Richburg at center, Justin Pugh at left guard and John Jerry at right guard. But, on the outside, the Giants were in arguably the worst situation in the NFL.

Ereck Flowers has been a disaster at left tackle two years into his career and looks destined for a move to the right side. Right tackle wasn’t much better, as Bobby Hart took over for Marshall Newhouse, two underwhelming options as well.

Injuries also played a part in the Giants lack of continuity along the offensive line. Four different players started at left guard, causing constant shifting for the unit.

Offensive line would seem to be a bigger need for the Giants. If they can add a veteran left tackle, they would upgrade the unit as a whole. Left tackle would be upgraded with the signing of the veteran, and right tackle would be upgraded with Flowers moving over.

Next: New York Giants: 6 Signings To Make To Ace Free Agency

Adding a running back makes sense for Big Blue, but it is far from their most pressing need. Offensive line, in addition to linebacker, tight end, and even wide receiver possible, are more pressing needs with free agency knocking on the door.

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