The New York Giants were very pleased when they were able to land Oklahoma running back Eric Gray with the 172nd selection in Round 5 of this year’s NFL draft.
They see Gray as a rotational option who does a little bit of everything well and can be developed into something even more.
The Giants aren’t the only ones who think they might have a potential steal in Gray. Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic has identified Gray as one of his ‘Day 3 Draft Sleepers who can make an immediate impact.’
In a draft with less RB depth than 2023 had, Gray would have been no worse than a third-round pick — even with the questions about how much work his frame can handle in the NFL. If the Giants wind up moving on from Saquon Barkley, Gray’s addition would look that much better. However, in a perfect world, the Giants would keep Barkley and Gray for a while. That pairing could be a lot of fun.
Gray has the wiggle to be a big-time weapon in the pass game and on the perimeter as a runner. But I wouldn’t look at him as a potential long-term replacement for Barkley so much as a guy who can help Barkley right now. The Giants can put both backs on the field together and create matchup problems all over the place.
I love this pick, no matter what role Gray winds up playing.
Gray wouldn’t be the first Day 3 running back to emerge as a star for the Giants. It wasn’t too long ago that a young man by the name of Ahmad Bradshaw — a seventh-round pick out of Marshall — came in and helped Big Blue win two Super Bowls.
Follow the Giants Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts
