Giants Sign a Rookie Running Back Ahead of the NFL Draft

The New York Giants have signed a running back from this rookie class in a rarely-seen move before the draft. Dante Miller was a three-year starter at Columbia losing his 2020 season to the Covid pandemic. 2021 was Miller's best season, rushing for 809 yards on 145 carries with four touchdowns while adding 43 yards receiving.

After graduating from Columbia, Miller ended up at South Carolina in a loaded backfield, playing in six games. South Carolina then realized they made a mistake with his eligibility, choosing to try and get a waiver for a full season in 2023 when Miller sat out the remainder of 2022.

Once the NFL Draft had passed, the NCAA ruled Miller ineligible, leaving him without anywhere to play for the time being. Had Miller known that he wouldn't be able to play in 2023 he would've played in 2022, where he would've seen an increased role near bowl season.

Miller's shot to impress NFL scouts would come at this year's South Carolina pro day where he ran a 4.27 40-yard dash which was faster than any back at the combine. His 28 reps on the bench press also ranked better than any back at the combine.

After the pro day, Miller would find out that he wasn't even eligible for this year's NFL Draft as he should've been in last year's class, making him a free agent. The Giants hosted Miller this week and added him to a backfield they're working to rebuild.

Miller now gets a month's head start on the rookies the Giants select in this year's draft class as well as any undrafted free agents the team picks up.

The Giants, since losing Saquon Barkley, are looking to build their running back room by committee rather than focusing on one major running back.

Brian Daboll and Mike Kafka should have fun working Miller into the offense as his speed could prove vital. The Giants can use Miller as a traditional back as well as in sets they used for Kadarius Toney and John Ross, getting him the ball in space via screens and jet sweeps. If the Giants can get Miller the ball on the outside there's no doubt that he can become a nice find for Brian Daboll and Co.

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