Giants History of First Round Running Backs

Guy was a wrecking machine, coming into his own in the Handley era. Charles Way, with wheels.

He was good enough to get reps in the first game....and after one lousy fumble, he was in the doghouse basically the rest of the year....one of TC's mistakes that year....

Rodney Hampton has to be an A. He was a real workhorse and did quite well when the team really didn't have many offensive weapons.

Jerrod Bunch was an excellent pick, another A. He was starting to look like a truly outstanding player by the end of his second year. Unfortunately his career was ruined soon after by injury. (Tucker Fredrickson also falls into this category of a solid first round pick whose career was ruined by injury, and the argument can be made that David Wilson does, too.)

Tyrone Wheatly wasn't a bad pick either. I'd give him at least a B. His coach simply refused to use him much, and he was very solid after he got away from Dan Reeves, another NYG Head Coaching mistake. That one is on the coach, not the player selected.

Butch Woolfolk had one pretty good season, probably gets a C. He was eclipsed by Joe Morris, the second rounder behind him, who took a little while to come on but was THE best back in the NFL for maybe a season and a half and is still one of the GIANTS all-time rushing leaders.

You have properly pegged George Adams.

I also agree with your assessment of Ron Dayne, who I felt was a huge mistake the minute they called his name.

Oh, and if you go back far enough, there was this first round halfback named Frank Gifford. He had a very outstanding career with the GIANTS.

After seeing all these guys play, I fundamentally disagree with your overall premise.

In comment 13841831 Doomster said:

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He was good enough to get reps in the first game....and after one lousy fumble, he was in the doghouse basically the rest of the year....one of TC's mistakes that year....

You can tell the post was foolish when he gave Wilson an F. Even with the horrible Oline, Wilson somehow managed a career (1.5 years) YPC of 4.4. Yeah. Go back and look at the great RBs. How many of them managed a 4.4 or better? Very few indeed. Once a poster crosses the line into stupidity, you know they have an agenda and it stinks.

same thing for Tucker Fredrickson. They can't be considered bad draft choice.

Rocky Thompson was a bad first round pick.

Wheatley was a bad NY Giant first round pick.

of those backs taken in the first round. I'm not sure if you're looking at statistics only, but as is the case with any draft pick you have to look at what happened with the player to determine how good the pick was. Having seen all of these guys play, and having seen most of them play all of their careers, here's my assessment:

1982 Butch Woolfolk: C - I'd say this is accurate. He lost his job to Joe Morris, was solid contributor but little Joe simply snatched it away from him.
1985 George Adams-: D - George was a complicated player. Had a great skill set as a fullback, was quick, could catch the ball, and could block, however injuries slowed him down tremendously. He could've been a very good player if he stayed healthy.
1990: Rodney Hampton: B+ - You said B+, I give Rodney a A-. To this day he is one of the most talented RB's I've ever seen play the game. His biggest problem over the year was too much tread on his tires, but he was a great Giant and he should've gotten more than 1 ring (1993!)
1991: Jarrod Bunch: F - Bunch was a good player. Like George Adams, a good blocker, a terrific runner, and a good receiver. If it weren't for his knee injuries he would've been a good player.
1995: Tyrone Wheatley: D - Another Michigan RB taken by george young. Yeah, Wheatley was blah. Productive, but just didn't live up to even mediocre expectations.
2000: Ron Dayne: Dayne should be an F. He had that one OK year, but was unseated by Tiki and the rest was history there.
2012: David Wilson: F - Explosive, highly productive, but a terrible injury ended his career way too soon. I think he could've been a tremendous player but again injury stopped that.

With all that said, George Young picked 5 of those guys, 3 from Michigan. George had some great drafts, and some terrible drafts.

I think Dave Gettleman, Pat Shurmur and this organization have a vision and KNOW what they want to build. As others said here Barkley is a great talent, somewhere between a combination of Barry Sanders and Corey Dillon, with a mix of Joe Mixon/LeVeon Bell because of the patience he takes. I personally love him.

Should the Giants take him? That's a very tough question to answer right now, and won't likely be answered until draft day. I can't wait!

no? Comparing him to true RBs might be a fallacy.

1) That history has nothing to do with this draft. It represents GMs and scouting departmdnts that are long gone.

2) You are judging a few guys negatively because of career ending injuries, which is unfair.

in the class.

That’s no reason not to pick him.

It often happens that the first QB picked doesn’t turn out to be the best QB in the class. Should we not pick one of those either?

If Cleveland takes Barkley, do you still want Mayfield?

In comment 13841854 Bubba said:

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no? Comparing him to true RBs might be a fallacy.

He was a 'running' FB. Jim Brown was a FB.

You guys really need to stop listening to the hype. His vision had been questioned as has his ability to run between the tackles. That is NOT a generational back but one to avoid at #2.

In comment 13841844 mrvax said:

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In comment 13841831 Doomster said: Quote: He was good enough to get reps in the first game....and after one lousy fumble, he was in the doghouse basically the rest of the year....one of TC's mistakes that year.... You can tell the post was foolish when he gave Wilson an F. Even with the horrible Oline, Wilson somehow managed a career (1.5 years) YPC of 4.4. Yeah. Go back and look at the great RBs. How many of them managed a 4.4 or better? Very few indeed. Once a poster crosses the line into stupidity, you know they have an agenda and it stinks.

Stupid comment on your part, Wilson didn't last, period point blank. A injury prone player that possibly the Giants didn't do their homework on

In comment 13841888 Dave on the UWS said:

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His vision had been questioned as has his ability to run between the tackles.

You must be reading about Charles Barkley

In comment 13841680 capegman said:

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same guys are not making the decision. This is not George Youngs Giants. I would not pass on Barkley. I think your missing on a Walter Payton type talent if you do. The line can be addressed in FA and the rest of this draft.

Ridiculous thinking by some re: Barkley. You look back on drafts and see that there are maybe three or four studs drafted in the first round each year that become All-Pros. That is who you select with the #2 pick; even if it's a Center. Barkley would be a GREAT pick at #2. For those who don't think so (i.e., those who assert that RBs are never drafted at #2), are completely blind to this Penn St. RBs talent; moreover, the league is transitioning back to a ball control/running game offensive philosophy (with fewer TDs through the air of 20 or more yds). Go check the videos on Barkley and the stats on passing TDs of more than 20 yds.

Yes, we need OLmen, but you can build a line in the next year or so around Barkley. We are not going to the Super Bowl in 2018 or 2019 for that matter.

Drafting a QB is extraordinarily important. But it doesn't necessarily have to be in this draft (and or we have enough money available for 2019 allegedly to sign a talented FA QB if need be).
And if we don't like who is available at #2, Getty, I'm sure, has an idea what would be adequate compensation in draft choices in return to trade our top pick.

In comment 13841858 Ivan15 said:

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in the class. That’s no reason not to pick him. It often happens that the first QB picked doesn’t turn out to be the best QB in the class. Should we not pick one of those either? If Cleveland takes Barkley, do you still want Mayfield?

Absolutely, positively yes. Mayfield is not only a talent; he demonstrates qualities of leadership, passion and enthusiasm that few QBs can match. And our Giants certainly could use a major dosage of Mayfield's charisma and talent!!!!!

Don't take Mayfield b/c of the history of Big 12/Oklahoma Quarterbacks not having success.

Don't take Darnold b/c there has been no successful USC quarterbacks and a ton of them have been busts. A USC QB has never won a super bowl.

because of the history of draft picks made by different people in different eras several years and even decades ago is a ridiculous sentiment.

You evaluate each case on a individual basis.

This logic type of logic could've been used in the 2014 draft to argue against picking Beckham. Giants could've said Thomas Lewis, Ike Hilliard, Mark Ingram never lived up to their draft status, so they should not pick Beckham.

is the most overrated back in Giants' history.

He averaged 3.8 yards per carry.

Bradshaw averaged 4.6. Jacobs averaged 4.5.

Hampton only forced his way up onto the list of leading running backs because they gave him the ball so much.

In comment 13842429 SB 42 and 46 and ? said:

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is the most overrated back in Giants' history. He averaged 3.8 yards per carry. Bradshaw averaged 4.6. Jacobs averaged 4.5. Hampton only forced his way up onto the list of leading running backs because they gave him the ball so much.

Did you ever actually watch him? Because when I first saw him he was the most electrifying Giants back I had ever seen. I could be wrong but I think I remember seeing his very first carry in a preseason game which was a long run for a TD. He was very smooth and elegant. Overshadowed by Emmitt Smith, who I think might have been taken in the same draft. With time however, and I’m not sure why but I think it was dictated by the needs of the offense, Hampton bulked up, put on significant weight, and became more of a workhorse back. Led to the lowered ypc that you cite.

He was my favorite player at the time. Unassuming and professional. I can’t remember a single episode of histrionics. Every touchdown he scored, he quietly handed the ball to the ref and went about his business.

on the money with RH.

has anything to do with what DG might do in the first round of this draft.

matter? Do we have the same people in the FO? Same scouting dept? Same coaches? Like Odell said....0.

In comment 13841589 Sand_TheWedge said:

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Round 7 grade A There will be talented RBs in this draft after Rd 2. Trade back and go best player available from there. Walk away with 9 new players and maybe a #1 for 2019. Gentlemen is smart enough to understand this sets us up for a much better 5-6 yrs than a QB right now.

I love it when people use ONE instance where drafting a RB in round 7 worked out, but don't bother including all the failed attempts before and after that one. Narrative much?

In comment 13842433 Bill L said:

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In comment 13842429 SB 42 and 46 and ? said: Quote: is the most overrated back in Giants' history. He averaged 3.8 yards per carry. Bradshaw averaged 4.6. Jacobs averaged 4.5. Hampton only forced his way up onto the list of leading running backs because they gave him the ball so much. Did you ever actually watch him? Because when I first saw him he was the most electrifying Giants back I had ever seen. I could be wrong but I think I remember seeing his very first carry in a preseason game which was a long run for a TD. He was very smooth and elegant. Overshadowed by Emmitt Smith, who I think might have been taken in the same draft. With time however, and I’m not sure why but I think it was dictated by the needs of the offense, Hampton bulked up, put on significant weight, and became more of a workhorse back. Led to the lowered ypc that you cite. He was my favorite player at the time. Unassuming and professional. I can’t remember a single episode of histrionics. Every touchdown he scored, he quietly handed the ball to the ref and went about his business.

Yup, and I'll take some flack for this but Rodney Hampton was every bit as good as Emmitt Smith. He just didn't take care of himself very well (out of shape, lazy) and didn't play behind an all-world offensive line like Emmitt did.

My memory sucks, but I want to say that the team was intent on giving him an extraordinary number of carries each game...as if he were the only person in their offense, so he bulked up (and slowed down) so as to better take the pounding. Meaining, I think that it may have been an intentional decision on his part.

In comment 13842606 Bill L said:

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My memory sucks, but I want to say that the team was intent on giving him an extraordinary number of carries each game...as if he were the only person in their offense, so he bulked up (and slowed down) so as to better take the pounding. Meaining, I think that it may have been an intentional decision on his part.

Maybe lazy isn't the right word, but if I recall correctly - he didn't put a lot of effort into training camp and didn't stay in very good shape over the offseason.

and it looks like you're right about him not putting in a lot of off-season work (that's from a 2009 archived BBI thread that was on google...lots of the same names we see today ;-)

So called logic is all just crap. Here's why you do or don't do such and such...and on and on and on and on. You judge players as players and you select good ones when available it's that fucking simple. Where a player is selected and what school and what bust percentage and look at all the late round RBs...make it stop already. Ffs these whiny shitty arguments are stale and pointless on both sides of the Barkley debate. Some are pro some are con, and no one is changing anyone's mind with yet another doofus conclusion.

The number 2 pick is the big thing. Don't like a running backs with the 2nd pick of the draft. Barkley is NOT a sure fire pick. Take a shot at QB or trade down is the point

SO is Nelson for that matter. Isn't that what you want at such a high position, as opposed to "taking a shot" (in the dark) at someone purely based on his position?

perception that McCaffery was a bad pick?

Maybe just after the draft, you could say he went earlier than he should, but the guy was an essential part of the Panthers offense. He basically did or exceeded in his rookie year what people expected Shane Vareen to do when he came here. 80 receptions and over 1000 yards shows he was a bad pick?

I really think people offer up some fucked up logic to defend shitty viewpoints.

Without McCaffery, the Panthers likely don't make the playoffs because they had no receiving threat out of the backfield. He basically allowed them to trade Kelvin Benjamin without suffering too much of a dropoff.

If anyone uses their eyes to watch him play and comes away thinking he wasn't worthy of a first round selection, they either don't understand much about what they see or they have a stance they are trying to stand pat on even though the evidence shows otherwise.

In comment 13842744 FatMan in Charlotte said:

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perception that McCaffery was a bad pick? Maybe just after the draft, you could say he went earlier than he should, but the guy was an essential part of the Panthers offense. He basically did or exceeded in his rookie year what people expected Shane Vareen to do when he came here. 80 receptions and over 1000 yards shows he was a bad pick? I really think people offer up some fucked up logic to defend shitty viewpoints. Without McCaffery, the Panthers likely don't make the playoffs because they had no receiving threat out of the backfield. He basically allowed them to trade Kelvin Benjamin without suffering too much of a dropoff. If anyone uses their eyes to watch him play and comes away thinking he wasn't worthy of a first round selection, they either don't understand much about what they see or they have a stance they are trying to stand pat on even though the evidence shows otherwise.

Maybe you should learn the difference between bad player and bad pick? Ever think of that?

Not sure what the stats are, however, I'd be willing to bet dollars to doughnuts that Dalvin Cook (2nd Round) or Kareem Hunt (3rd Round) are more then capable to match CM's numbers in that offense.

It was a terrible pick considering they could've drafted a playmaker on the other side of the ball, maybe solidify the O-Line?

Trust me, I'm right

that a guy who wins games for you is called a bad pick.

and wed to their worldview,

that they forget what the actual point of the game is.

In comment 13842877 I love liverwurst said:

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In comment 13842744 FatMan in Charlotte said: Quote: perception that McCaffery was a bad pick? Maybe just after the draft, you could say he went earlier than he should, but the guy was an essential part of the Panthers offense. He basically did or exceeded in his rookie year what people expected Shane Vareen to do when he came here. 80 receptions and over 1000 yards shows he was a bad pick? I really think people offer up some fucked up logic to defend shitty viewpoints. Without McCaffery, the Panthers likely don't make the playoffs because they had no receiving threat out of the backfield. He basically allowed them to trade Kelvin Benjamin without suffering too much of a dropoff. If anyone uses their eyes to watch him play and comes away thinking he wasn't worthy of a first round selection, they either don't understand much about what they see or they have a stance they are trying to stand pat on even though the evidence shows otherwise. Maybe you should learn the difference between bad player and bad pick? Ever think of that? Not sure what the stats are, however, I'd be willing to bet dollars to doughnuts that Dalvin Cook (2nd Round) or Kareem Hunt (3rd Round) are more then capable to match CM's numbers in that offense. It was a terrible pick considering they could've drafted a playmaker on the other side of the ball, maybe solidify the O-Line? Trust me, I'm right

Trust you, you're right??? What a moronic comment. On what basis are you "right"? Because you say so? Smh...

I hate the off-season...

makes absolutely no fucking sense:

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It was a terrible pick considering they could've drafted a playmaker on the other side of the ball, maybe solidify the O-Line?

They used the pick on a playmaker on a side of the ball they needed help on. Their D was just fine. With Stewart getting older and no 3rd down option, they needed a RB for the future. Not only did they get that - he delivered.

How is a guy who made the team better at a position of need and whose production was among the best of any player drafted called a "terrible pick".

The absence of logic here is mind-numbing. Fucking ponderous one late DJ would say.

In comment 13842994 FatMan in Charlotte said:

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makes absolutely no fucking sense: Quote: It was a terrible pick considering they could've drafted a playmaker on the other side of the ball, maybe solidify the O-Line? They used the pick on a playmaker on a side of the ball they needed help on. Their D was just fine. With Stewart getting older and no 3rd down option, they needed a RB for the future. Not only did they get that - he delivered. How is a guy who made the team better at a position of need and whose production was among the best of any player drafted called a "terrible pick". The absence of logic here is mind-numbing. Fucking ponderous one late DJ would say.

So you don't want an up tempo record anywhere near a fucking death dedication?

named Snuggles is going to make me fucking blow!!

In comment 13841617 Bill L said:

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But just don’t pick the best player available?

I don't think the sheer brilliance of this post is getting enough attention.

In comment 13842994 FatMan in Charlotte said:

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makes absolutely no fucking sense: Quote: It was a terrible pick considering they could've drafted a playmaker on the other side of the ball, maybe solidify the O-Line? They used the pick on a playmaker on a side of the ball they needed help on. Their D was just fine. With Stewart getting older and no 3rd down option, they needed a RB for the future. Not only did they get that - he delivered. How is a guy who made the team better at a position of need and whose production was among the best of any player drafted called a "terrible pick". The absence of logic here is mind-numbing. Fucking ponderous one late DJ would say.

Why draft a guy like Marshon Lattimore or Malik Hooker when you need help in your defensive backfield, definitely a position of need for Carolina. Two of the better athletes in the draft.

Lets go out and get a guy who's good, however, equal talent could've been found in the second round. That's your logic

Top safeties and corners are a lot harder to find then running backs.

The more I read your drivel, it's utterly idiotic .

is that McCaffery very much produced like a first round draft pick at a position of need. Maybe they could've gotten a different back in a later round, but you're going to make guesses on their production. You mentioned Dalvin Cook. I'm sure the Panthers would be elated with a third of a season out of him, and they probably miss the playoffs.

It's no surprise that the more you read my "drivel" it is "idiotic". It's because you consistently have terrible posts and then stand by them.

The Panthers made a pick that helped them overcome a weak spot and was a main driver in having them get to the postseason. Keep reading that "drivel" and tell me exactly how that scenario results in a "terrible pick"

In comment 13843042 FatMan in Charlotte said:

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is that McCaffery very much produced like a first round draft pick at a position of need. Maybe they could've gotten a different back in a later round, but you're going to make guesses on their production. You mentioned Dalvin Cook. I'm sure the Panthers would be elated with a third of a season out of him, and they probably miss the playoffs. It's no surprise that the more you read my "drivel" it is "idiotic". It's because you consistently have terrible posts and then stand by them. The Panthers made a pick that helped them overcome a weak spot and was a main driver in having them get to the postseason. Keep reading that "drivel" and tell me exactly how that scenario results in a "terrible pick"

I stand by my point

should I have expected anything different?

In comment 13843074 FatMan in Charlotte said:

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should I have expected anything different?

I'm thinking because it's logic based and makes entirely too much sense for self absorbed know it alls.

Just move on and give your expert opinion on other various topics, Football isn't your strong point

what a crock of shit.

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and makes entirely too much sense for self absorbed know it alls.

That's rich and utterly deficient in self awareness from a guy who posted "Trust me. I'm right" above.

Awesome stuff!

In comment 13843109 FatMan in Charlotte said:

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what a crock of shit. Quote: and makes entirely too much sense for self absorbed know it alls. That's rich and utterly deficient in self awareness from a guy who posted "Trust me. I'm right" above. Awesome stuff!

Point stands, anyone with a 3rd grade education can see that to draft a RB with the second pick in this draft is idiotic. Anyone but you that is

you really fucking suck at comprehension.

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Point stands, anyone with a 3rd grade education can see that to draft a RB with the second pick in this draft is idiotic. Anyone but you that is

Show me one post where I've talked about picking a RB at #2.

All of my posts on this thread have been directed at the concept that McCaffery was a "terrible pick". It would be nice if your brilliant fucking mind could comprehend who is saying what.

In comment 13843135 I love liverwurst said:

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In comment 13843109 FatMan in Charlotte said: Quote: what a crock of shit. Quote: and makes entirely too much sense for self absorbed know it alls. That's rich and utterly deficient in self awareness from a guy who posted "Trust me. I'm right" above. Awesome stuff! Point stands, anyone with a 3rd grade education can see that to draft a RB with the second pick in this draft is idiotic. Anyone but you that is

There's a whole bunch of idiotic in the draft evaluators, prognosticators, scouts, and coaches.

In comment 13841844 mrvax said:

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In comment 13841831 Doomster said: Quote: He was good enough to get reps in the first game....and after one lousy fumble, he was in the doghouse basically the rest of the year....one of TC's mistakes that year.... You can tell the post was foolish when he gave Wilson an F. Even with the horrible Oline, Wilson somehow managed a career (1.5 years) YPC of 4.4. Yeah. Go back and look at the great RBs. How many of them managed a 4.4 or better? Very few indeed. Once a poster crosses the line into stupidity, you know they have an agenda and it stinks.

I don't know if 4.4 YPC is a good benchmark. Darkwa sucked and we had no running game in 2017....Everyone agrees no?
Darkwa 2017 - ( New Window )

In comment 13843163 FatMan in Charlotte said:

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you really fucking suck at comprehension. Quote: Point stands, anyone with a 3rd grade education can see that to draft a RB with the second pick in this draft is idiotic. Anyone but you that is Show me one post where I've talked about picking a RB at #2. All of my posts on this thread have been directed at the concept that McCaffery was a "terrible pick". It would be nice if your brilliant fucking mind could comprehend who is saying what.

Hate to bust your bubble, however, before you pat yourself on the back too hard, the premise of the entire thread was based on NOT taking a RB with the 2nd pick. Yes we had a side conversation about CM, yes it was a utterly idiotic pick.

Try and keep your eye on the ball, you can comprehend more then one point at a time

Thanks