New York Giants: 5 biggest draft needs and prospects to watch
By Sean Dyer
4. Running Back
The New York Giants signed Jonathan Stewart this offseason but he really just replaces Orleans Darkwa (and it’s likely not an upgrade). The rest of the Giants running back depth chart includes Wayne Gallman and Paul Perkins. Shane Vereen is a free agent who will be finding work elsewhere in 2018.
Paul Perkins had a promising rookie season followed by a disappointing campaign last year. If he can’t bounce back in 2018, the Giants will be left with just Gallman as a long-term running back option. Gallman had a productive rookie year but will need to prove he can do it again before New York can make him their feature back. Stewart’s best days are also likely behind him so he won’t prevent Big Blue from spending a top draft pick on a running back.
Big Blue football is built on a strong running game and they’ve been missing a bell-cow running back since the days of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw. Dave Gettleman appears to be the man to bring the Giants back to their ground and pound days and finding a feature running back in this year’s deep draft class would be a great start.
Prospects to watch: Saquon Barkley (Penn State), Derrius Guice (LSU), Sony Michel (Georgia), Nick Chubb (Georgia), Ronald Jones II (USC), Kerryon Johnson (Auburn), Royce Freeman (Oregon), Rashaad Penny (San Diego State), Nyheim Hines (NC State), Akrum Wadley (Iowa), Josh Adams (Notre Dame), Bo Scarbrough (Alabama)