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New York Giants 2017 Roster Preview: Running Backs

By Sean Dyer

LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 01: New York Giants Running back Paul Perkins (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 01: New York Giants Running back Paul Perkins (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 3: Orleans Darkwa (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 3: Orleans Darkwa (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /

Orleans Darkwa, Shaun Draughn, and Khalid Abdullah

With the New York Giants likely keeping just four running backs, these three guys will be in a battle for the final spot. The fourth running back should have upside as a runner but must be able to contribute on special teams.

Orleans Darkwa has been on the Giants roster for the past three seasons, showing some flashes when given the opportunity.

Aside from running the ball well in limited action, Darkwa has been a valuable special teamer for New York.

Having been around for the past three years, Orleans Darkwa may have a leg up in the competition for the last RB slot.

Shaun Draughn just signed with Big Blue this offseason after spending the last two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.

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Draughn saw limited offensive action for the Niners last season but was a decent receiver out of the backfield. He also played significant snaps on special teams.

Special teams will be Draughn’s best chance at earning a roster spot. He could play a similar role as Bobby Rainey did last season for the Giants.

The real issue for Draughn is that he is currently on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list with an ankle injury.

It will be very difficult for the veteran to win a spot on the roster if he doesn’t get out on the field soon.

Khalid Abdullah is a rookie from James Madison who signed with New York after going undrafted.

Abdullah is arguably the greatest running back in Dukes history, finishing his career with the school record for rushing touchdowns (41) and second all-time in rushing yards (3,678).

The rookie has an uphill battle to unseat one of the previously mentioned players for a spot on the depth chart. However, Abdullah could pull off the miracle with a strong preseason, especially on special teams.

In the end, I think Orleans Darkwa’s familiarity with the Giants offense and the potential he’s shown the past couple years will win him the job.

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