New York Giants: A Look into the 2017 backfield situation

Paul Perkins

The second-year running back has received tons of praise this offseason from the Giants coaching staff. Perkins only touched the ball 127 times as a rookie and has yet to reach the end zone. However, the Giants staff is confident he can handle the starting job and jump-start a Giants rushing attack that has faltered in previous years.

Perkins, who appeared in 14 games as a rookie, averaged 4.1 yards per carry in 2016. The fifth round pick saw most of his carries in the latter part of the season and had 10 or more touches in each of the Giants final four regular season games. His lone 100-yard performance came in week 17 as the Giants beat the Washington Redskins. Perkins was a non-factor in the Giants postseason matchup against the Packers, carrying the ball 10 times for mere 30 yards.

Wayne Gallman

A 2017 fourth-round pick from Clemson, Gallman’s style of running is perfect for the Giants backfield. Perkins is a back who can do a little of it all, Vereen is an excellent receiver and Gallman is a bruiser who will add another dimension to the Giants red zone attack.

After Rashad Jennings left in free agency, General Manager Jerry Reese had to fill his spot. Gallman scored 17 touchdowns as a redshirt junior in 2016 and will look to bolster the Giants red zone offense in 2017.