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NY Giants: GM Jerry Reese RB Options on Draft day

By Michael Stewart

Round 1

RB-Christian McCaffrey-6’0/205 (Stanford): In 2016, McCaffrey ran for 1,603 yards (6.3 per carry) and 13 TDS.  Not as impressive as his stats in 2015 (2,019 yards and 8 TDS), but worthy enough to consider him for the Giants in the 1st round. During GM Reese tenure with the Giants, he only drafted a RB once in the 1st round (David Wilson-2012).  McCaffrey has great balance runs with an excellent body lean; along with a lot of patient setting up his blocks. He is equally productive as a receiver, with soft hands and runs his routes well.  McCaffrey is a dangerous kick returner as well; which makes him a triple treat on the football field. The biggest issue for him is size (6’1/205lbs) as many scouts questioned his durability at the NFL level and can be a 3 down back.

RB- Alvin Kamara-5’10/215 (Tennessee):  Kamara is a lot like Jamaal Charles as a runner in that both are fast slashers who are built well with some power. Additionally, Kamara is a phenomenal receiver with great hands and route-running to also be used as a slot receiver. He also is a dynamic returner on punts and kickoffs. Kamara takes on a lot of the third-down duties with blocking and receiving. On the season, he averaged 5.8 yards per carry for 596 yards and nine scores. Kamara also had 40 receptions for 392 yards and four scores. Kamara is skipping his senior year to enter the 2017 NFL Draft.  At most schools, Kamara would be a starter and the feature player, but Kamara splits carries with Jalen Hurd, so he doesn’t get to be the every-down starter. NFL sources have said that Kamara has impressed them during scouting fall practices.

Round 2

RB- D’Onta Foreman-6’1/249 (Texas): Foreman had a tremendous 2016 season and was one of the most productive runners in the nation. He averaged 6.3 yards per carry for 2,028 yards with 15 touchdowns. Foreman isn’t much of a receiver, making just seven catches for 75 yards in 2016, but he is a load as a runner who can run over the opposition. Foreman will be an early round-pick after declaring for the 2017 NFL Draft. As a sophomore, he averaged 7.2 yards per carry for 681 yards and five touchdowns.

RB: Jeremy McNichols-5’9/212 (Boise State): McNichols will not overwhelm you with abilities, but he is a steady performer and always seems to be in the right position every time.  McNichols rushed for 1,709 yards (5.4 per carry) with 23 TDS, but what makes McNichols a little intriguing is his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield (37 reps/420 yds/4TD). McNichols is only 5’9/213lbs, but runs with anger and isn’t afraid to initiate contact. McNichols style will most likely not fit most teams in the NFL, but only a half dozen or so. With that being said; if in the right situation and offensive scheme; McNichols will flourish and be a very productive RB in the NFL.

Round 3

RB-Wayne Gallman-6’1/205 (Clemson): Gallman has averaged 5.9 yards per carry for 943 yards with 14 touchdowns. He’s added 15 receptions for 96 yards as well. Gallman missed some time with a concussion this season. He is more of a quick slashing runner with some athleticism as a pro, but Gallman doesn’t have a lot of power for the NFL. Gallman was the workhorse of the Clemson offense in 2015, averaging 5.4 yards per carry for 1,527 yards with 13 touchdowns. He also caught 21 passes for 213 yards with a score. Gallman is a quick runner who could stand to add some weight for the next level.

RB-Samaje Perine-5’11/237 (Oklahoma):  Perine has averaged 5.2 yards per carry in 2016 for 735 yards with 10 touchdowns. He has 10 receptions for 106 yards, too. Perine is a physical, tough runner who has been banged up this season and also split the workload with Joe Mixon. Perine averaged 6.0 yards per carry in 2015 for 1,349 yards with 16 touchdowns. As a receiver, he had 15 catches for 107 yards with a score. Perine was a freshman sensation in 2014, racking up 1,713 yards and 21 touchdowns. That worked out to an average of 6.5 yards per carry. Perine set the NCAA single-game rushing record with 427 yards against Kansas that season. He also had five touchdowns in that contest. Perine is a hard-nosed physical running back.

Round 4

RB-De’Veon Smith -5’11/228 (Michigan):  Smith’s stats will not jump out off the page (846 yards/10 TDS) as Smith was in a platoon system. However; Smith is a tough downhill runner with exceptional vision and the ability to cutback when needed. Smith has plenty of talent to be a very good RB in the NFL.

RB: Kareem Hunt-6’0/225 (Toledo): Hunt had a steady career at Toledo and was as reliable a RB you can find. Hunt will not impress you with flashy moves or incredible breakaway speed. However; Hunt just makes plays when called upon. Hunt is currently projected to go late 4th to late 5th, but that could change come April.

  Round 5

RB: Jamaal Williams-6’2/220 (BYU): Williams had retired from football, but then returned to the field and played very well in 2016. He was a powerful rushing presence averaging 5.9 yards per carry for 1,375 yards with 12 TDS as a senior. He had only seven receptions for 80 yards. Williams is a physical back who is capable of picking up yards after contact. In a talented RB class, Williams should be an exceptional value in the mid rounds and he could rise with a strong performance at the Senior Bowl.

RB-Corey Clement-5’10/221 (Wisconsin): Clement averaged 4.4 yards per carry in 2016 for 1,375 yards with 15 touchdowns. He had 12 receptions for 132 yards as well. Clement had a respectable showing at the Senior Bowl as he was very physical, and created hits on opponents than opponents giving hits on him.
 

Round 6

RB: Joe Mixon-6’1/226 (Oklahoma):  Off the field issues could push Mixon out of the early rounds and into the later rounds. For argument sake, I will keep him at his projected round. Mixon is an electric runner with excellent speed and the ability to rip off a long run on any carry. He became Oklahoma’s featured runner as a redshirt sophomore with an average of seven yards per carry (168 carries) for 1,183 yards with eight TDS while sharing carries with Samaje Perine. Mixon also was an excellent receiver with 32 catches for 449 yards and 6 TDS.

RB: James Connor-6’2/250 (Pittsburgh): Connor suffered some setbacks (cancer and ACL surgery) that had delayed his return. As a sophomore, Connor was outstanding displaying a combination of speed and power in route to 1,765 yards on the ground and 26 TDS. Many scouts feel that it would benefit Connor to stay another year at Pittsburgh to regain his sophomore performance. However; if Connor can become the RB he is capable of being, he will be a steal in the late rounds.

Round 7

RB- Elijah McGuire-5’11/208 (La-Lafayette): McGuire can hurt you on the ground and in the air which was evident throughout his career at La-Lafayette. This combination will enable McGuire an opportunity to get drafted and showcase himself as a serviceable RB and provide depth.

RB: Marion Mack-6’0/210 (S. Florida): Mack had three straight seasons of 1000+ yards at S. Florida with 2016 being his best overall with 7.1 yards per carry and 15 TDS. Mack also showed the ability to catch the ball out of backfield with 28/227. Mack could be a very nice addition to any NFL backfield and serve as a contributor and steady performer.

Final Thoughts: Despite having a solid rookie season, RB Paul Perkins still needs help and I believe GM Jerry Reese will look towards either FA or the draft (maybe both). Currently, the Giants lack a big power RB to compliment the speedy Perkins . There are big RB’s available in this draft (all rounds) that Reese can draft to give the Giants that added dimension needed.