The New York Giants were very active in Rounds 1-3 of the 2023 NFL draft, landing several key pieces that can help improve the roster immediately.
Headed into the final day of the draft the Giants would have to wait until late in the 5th round to make their first pick at No. 172 overall.
After spending two of their first three picks on offense, the Giants selected running back Eric Gray out of the University of Oklahoma.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Giants land Eric Gray out of Oklahoma; interesting selection there!
Gray posted 1,366 yards and 11 rushing scores last season. Also added 229 receiving yards!
— Alex Wilson (@AlexWilsonESM) April 29, 2023
#Giants use #172 (5th rd) on Okla RB Eric Gray….spent first two yrs at Tenn….4.6 in 40 and definitely a developmental with some real upside https://t.co/pDoeB13YJZ
— GiantsWFAN (@giantswfan) April 29, 2023
Lance Zierlein's comp for Gray: Miles Sanders. https://t.co/iJIr4lQtQR
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) April 29, 2023
Giants take a running back, which they were expected to do on Day 3 of the NFL Draft.
In the 5th round (172 overall) Giants take RB Eric Gray of Oklahoma.— Paul Schwartz (@NYPost_Schwartz) April 29, 2023
The #Giants got that pick in fast. Oklahoma RB Eric Gray. One of the best processing backs in the class. Love the way he followed and set up his blocks. More of a quick accelerator than a king speed guy. He’ll get you the singles and doubles. I think he has some pass upside too.
— Dan Schneier (@DanSchneierNFL) April 29, 2023
From @dpbrugler's The Beast: "Gray has only average speed and run power, but h's a balanced, agile runner with darting quickness and steady pass-catching skills. His play style is similar to Clyde Edwards-Helaire & he should be a productive change of pace/passing-down back" https://t.co/CGzhPwsInb
— Charlotte Carroll (@charlottecrrll) April 29, 2023
Eric Gray has some receiving upside
Had over 200 yards receiving in the last three seasons at two different schools (played for Tennesee)…totaled 99 catches for 827 yards and five touchdowns in college.
He had a total of 26 touchdowns through his college career.
— Nick Falato (@nickfalato) April 29, 2023
Eric Gray rushed for 1366 yards in 2022, averaging 6.4 YPC. 33 receptions as well, solid pass catcher. Multiple Miles Sanders comps. Strong addition to the RB room.
— NYG_PETE (@nyg_pete) April 29, 2023
Eric Gray to New York Giants. Pick 172
My guy lands with my team! Gray is a shifty runner with burst. He is aggressive and fights through the tackles with tenacity. He has sharp footwork and clean lateral movement ability. Gray is a reliable pass catcher.
He can plug in as RB2…
— Matt Hicks (@TheFF_Educator) April 29, 2023
Eric Gray is a runner who is difficult to bring down.
A safety valve for the Giants in case their situation with Barkley falls through. https://t.co/gGHFHKigXn
— Zachary Wilson (@zwilsonpxp) April 29, 2023
Eric Gray heading to the Giants with @jalinhyatt.
— Sarah B (@groomsbowen) April 29, 2023
Round 5 | Pick 172@1ericgray ➡️ @Giants#OUDNA | #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/56ecKUiAj6
— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) April 29, 2023
Sooners RB Eric Gray to the Giants in the fifth round. Shifty RB with very good elusiveness in the open field and solid hands out of the backfield. He likes to fight for the extra yard, too. #NFLDraft
— Nick Klopsis (@NickKlopsis) April 29, 2023
Former Vol Eric Gray is also selected.
He'll join Hyatt in New York with the Giants.
— Ryan Sylvia (@RyanTSylvia) April 29, 2023
Eric Gray -> GIANTS
Gray, at 5'9 207, had a nice 2022 with 213 carries, 1366 yards, and averaged 6.4 yards per carry.
He is a solid runner who is quick to burst when a hole opens.
Gray also has value in the passing game and plays similarly to Clyde Edwards-Helaire pic.twitter.com/8cbwVHmUmm
— The Owl (@TheOwl_NFL) April 29, 2023
Giants got in my opinion the most underrated RB in the draft Oklahoma Sooner Eric Gray. #NYGiants
— Garrett (@GarrettWood10) April 29, 2023
#Giants fans, @OU_Football RB Eric Gray has 3-down potential at the next level. Gray enjoyed a 1,300-yard campaign in 2022. #NFLDraft @1ericgray x @TheDraftNetwork https://t.co/WtZmu9rr9d
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) April 29, 2023
Great, value pick.
Eric Gray has definitive skills. @OU_Football loves him. 🏈🤠 https://t.co/k1xMqCSdA8— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) April 29, 2023
