The Giants began last year with a backfield of Andre Brown and David Wilson. Wilson is still around, but the iffy status of his neck makes it likelier there will be two new players atop the depth chart. One will be Rashad Jennings, signed to a 4-year, $10 million deal, but the secondary spot is open.
Maybe rookie Andre Williams will be the guy. Those quoted in this article at Giants.com expect Williams to be in the backfield rotation to start the season. One writer thinks he could "carve out a role for himself as a bruiser" in the backfield, perhaps getting short-yardage or goal-line work.
Jennings will definitely be the lead ballcarrier; in this article, GM Jerry Reese calls Jennings a "bellcow type of back." But on a team that will want to run the ball behind a revamped line (and that turned it over too often in the passing game a year ago), there will be opportunities for a second runner.
Key is Wilson's status; he'll reportedly seek to gain medical clearance for contact again in a week or so. He should be the change-of-pace option behind Jennings if he's able to play. But Williams is also in the mix for a role, probably a larger one if Wilson can't get cleared. (Williams, note, can't catch; he'd get some carries but wouldn't have a role in passing situations.)
--Andy Richardson
3 Reader Comments:
Victor Rodriguez
I thought I had the steal of the draft in rd 7.
By halftime of the 1st game in week he was on IR
If he couldn't wow in Oakland he won't in New York
I'm goin with Wilson on this one
ANDY RICHARDSON
Keith Anderson
Enormous potential wrapped up on the IR. Let some other sucker waste a pick...