After trading their fourth-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft in order to move up for wide receiver Jalin Hyatt in Round 3, the New York Giants had to wait nearly 100 picks before they were put back onto the clock in Round 5.
When that time finally came, general manager Joe Schoen added to the running back room, selecting Oklahoma’s Eric Gray.
The 5-foot-9, 207-pound Gray joins a group that consists of Saquon Barkley, Matt Breida, and Gary Brightwell.
NFL Network draft analyst Lance Zierlein gave Gray a pro comparison of Miles Sanders.
Decisive, creative runner with the size and skill set for three-down consideration on the pro level. Gray won’t be a home run hitter in the open field, but his short-area burst and oily hips open access to the entire field, with cuts coming suddenly and at unpredictable angles. He’s a less powerful finisher than his size might indicate and needs to keep from spilling runs wide unnecessarily. He is a reliable threat out of the backfield with soft hands and a willingness to block. Gray has the potential to find work quickly as a three-down backup with future starter potential.
In 2022 with the Sooners, Gray gained 1,366 yards on 213 attempts (6.4 ypc) and scored 11 touchdowns. He also caught 33 passes for 229 yards.
Gray is an ideal fit for the Giants’ offensive scheme and even has a little experience as a return man.
The No. 172 overall pick was a compensatory selection gained by losing tight end Evan Engram in free agency last season.
