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RB Outlook for 2021

eric2425ny : 2/18/2021 8:54 pm
A lot of the talk on the board lately has been focused on LW, Tomlinson, the need for WR’s, etc. The RB position is equally concerning to me at this point. I love Barkley, I was thrilled when we drafted him, but odds are he is not going to be a huge factor in the first half of the upcoming season coming off an ACL.

A RB with his style of jump cuts, spin moves, etc. puts a lot of pressure on their knees. Based on history, outside of the Adrian Peterson anomaly, it usually takes players like that more than a year to fully recover. Meaning we probably won’t see the real Barkley until later in the season.

Is Gallman the short term solution? Do we try to bring him back on a 2-3 year deal? Do we sign a FA? Or do we draft someone in the 3-4 round range? Or a combination?

I was never a fan of Barkley getting basically every snap in Shurmur’s offense in 2019. No one does that with RB’s anymore unless they are built like a freight train like Derrick Henry. I feel they need to plan for a 60/40 or 50/50 split between Barkley and RB2 the first half of 2021 and a 70/30 split even when Barkley is fully healthy.
Id love to keep Gallman, I like him a lot.  
j_rud : 2/18/2021 9:09 pm : link
I think its highly unlikely though. First, I think he's a fringe starter and may want to look for a larger. Hes been lost in the mix for a number of years and had a bit of an emergence this past year. I could see him wanting a fresh start somewhere.

Its also unrealistic from a money perspective. While I do like him, its much more preferable to retain Williams and Tomlinson. Its not really viable, unless you plan on keeping Gallman long term and letting Barkley walk. I honestly think you can make a case for that tbh, but I dont see the organization doing that.
Agree this is a need. Luckily it doesn’t need to cost a lot to fill  
rasbutant : 2/18/2021 9:24 pm : link
Lots of vet FA and future cuts available. Gallman is a favorite of mine and would like him back. But there are other great options. And the draft is a great place to pick up some fresh legs. There have been a bunch of threads on late round RB options.

One idea I’ve been floating out there is picking up Adrian Peterson for the “room”. His contract with the lions was 750k on the cap. He has to be as good as Freeman or Morris and imagine him helping SB. Draft a late round pick or retain Gallman and I think you have a decent crop.

Some might say what about a 3rd down back aka replacement for Lewis, I say that is SB. I want him out there on 3rd down. I’d love a big bruiser Henry / Jacobs type for a change of pace.

Projected lineup could be
Barkley
Peterson (750k)
Trey Sermon (3rd maybe 4th round pick)

That’s pretty economical and a decent mix of talent.
RE: Agree this is a need. Luckily it doesn’t need to cost a lot to fill  
eric2425ny : 2/18/2021 9:27 pm : link
In comment 15156801 rasbutant said:
Quote:
Lots of vet FA and future cuts available. Gallman is a favorite of mine and would like him back. But there are other great options. And the draft is a great place to pick up some fresh legs. There have been a bunch of threads on late round RB options.

One idea I’ve been floating out there is picking up Adrian Peterson for the “room”. His contract with the lions was 750k on the cap. He has to be as good as Freeman or Morris and imagine him helping SB. Draft a late round pick or retain Gallman and I think you have a decent crop.

Some might say what about a 3rd down back aka replacement for Lewis, I say that is SB. I want him out there on 3rd down. I’d love a big bruiser Henry / Jacobs type for a change of pace.

Projected lineup could be
Barkley
Peterson (750k)
Trey Sermon (3rd maybe 4th round pick)

That’s pretty economical and a decent mix of talent.


Really like that idea. Agree on AP at a vet minimum contract. He’s still got enough juice to help us in short yardage and as a change of pace.
Peterson makes no sense for this team  
robbieballs2003 : 2/18/2021 9:28 pm : link
He can't catch and can't block. If Barkley gets injured and AP is still a FA at that point then he makes sense. Going into the season he makes no sense. He also doesn't play special teams.
Should absolutely be drafting a RB this year  
Jimmy Googs : 2/18/2021 9:52 pm : link
Fine with Gallman returning, bit nobody else though.

Grab another serviceable back before the summer.

Go into season with:
Barkley
Gallman
Day 3 Rookie
Free Agent

RE: Peterson makes no sense for this team  
rasbutant : 2/18/2021 9:53 pm : link
In comment 15156805 robbieballs2003 said:
Quote:
He can't catch and can't block. If Barkley gets injured and AP is still a FA at that point then he makes sense. Going into the season he makes no sense. He also doesn't play special teams.


We’ll have to disagree on the catching thing. But he makes sense because he is cheap and would be a great asset for SB. He is capable of taking some of the work load off and could get you through a game if needed.
Watch some of his highlights from 2020 on YouTube he looks a hell of a lot better than Morris ever did in his career. He was still out running defenders and a load to tackle too. They have game 1 of the season on there with all of his carries not just the highlight runs.
I hate the term but Gallman is a JAG  
BillT : 2/18/2021 9:58 pm : link
You need JAGs on your team so that’s ok but he can be easily replaced.
RE: RE: Peterson makes no sense for this team  
robbieballs2003 : 2/18/2021 10:00 pm : link
In comment 15156830 rasbutant said:
Quote:
In comment 15156805 robbieballs2003 said:


Quote:


He can't catch and can't block. If Barkley gets injured and AP is still a FA at that point then he makes sense. Going into the season he makes no sense. He also doesn't play special teams.



We’ll have to disagree on the catching thing. But he makes sense because he is cheap and would be a great asset for SB. He is capable of taking some of the work load off and could get you through a game if needed.
Watch some of his highlights from 2020 on YouTube he looks a hell of a lot better than Morris ever did in his career. He was still out running defenders and a load to tackle too. They have game 1 of the season on there with all of his carries not just the highlight runs.


Judge has constantly preached versatility. That is not Peterson. Peterson is strictly a runner hence Morris. Morris was only signed after Barkley went down. There are a handful of other younger RBs available that do more than AP.
RE: Should absolutely be drafting a RB this year  
Del Shofner : 2/18/2021 10:07 pm : link
In comment 15156828 Jimmy Googs said:
Quote:
Fine with Gallman returning, bit nobody else though.

Grab another serviceable back before the summer.

Go into season with:
Barkley
Gallman
Day 3 Rookie
Free Agent


This is pretty much where I'm at as well.
huge supply of solid rb's available this  
Rory : 2/18/2021 10:09 pm : link
offseason, no reason to spend too much but outside of Gallman couple veteran names that caught my eye

Kenyan Drake
Malcom Brown
Jamal Williams
James Conner

sleeper Dion Lewis (jk)
I agree the Giants need to add RB talent.  
TC : 2/18/2021 11:28 pm : link
But I have for a long time. I know this is sacrilege, but I just flat-out don't want Barkley as my primary running back. Hand of God and all that, YEAH, but a 233lb RB who hates contact just isn't my kind of RB. Frankly given all of the Giants other problems it's kind of hard to blame Barkley, but for whatever reason, snake-bit by injuries, consistently crappy OL's, in three years he just hasn't been able to turn that talent into the Giants winning games. I'm not going to look up how many games he's actually been healthy for in his three years as a Giant, but when he has played, the Giants' winning percentage is actually worse than when he hasn't.

He has unworldly talent, he'll make eye-popping plays. But for whatever reason, it just doesn't seem to translate into being able to make the difference in winning games. There are just too many basic running plays when he wastes time dancing behind the LOS looking for the big play, rather than just jamming it into whatever daylight he can find and grinding out 3 or 4 yards to move the sticks.

I'm fine with Gallman coming back if he can be had cheaply enough, he's a solid RB, but nothing special. Morris was useful, but looks close to done. I guess Garrett thinks Chunn, who hung around Dallas for a couple of years, might be able to contribute. Anything's possible, I guess.

The Giants haven't had a great deal of luck with many FA RB pickups, most have been pretty much done. But I guess they could get lucky.

However I've been looking at RB's coming into the draft, and while there aren't a whole lot of blue chip prospects with Harris being my favorite, and Etienne, Williams and others also being early round picks, there's plenty of middle to later round solid RB's who don't get much attention who might prove very useful for the Giants.

Some guys I've looked at and like include Stevenson, likely 5th round, Gainwell 3rd-4th round, Jefferson 4th-5th round, Herbert 6th round, Huntley 7th or priority UDFA.

I like drafting Sermon.  
Giant John : 2/19/2021 12:36 am : link
He could be a help. I don’t believe Barkley can or will get through a season healthy. He’s not a contact runner but still gets hurt. We need help at position.
I disagree  
adamg : 2/19/2021 12:56 am : link
I think Barkley will be a factor as soon as he hits the field. RB isn't a concern for me.
Gallman had an underrated season  
monstercoo : 2/19/2021 2:51 am : link
I think the coaching staff really screwed with Gallman’s snap count last year and he could have been a 1000 yard rusher. I’d really like to see him get a lead back role somewhere.

As for Barkley... I think he plays too soft and will be even softer after this injury. They definitely need a power rb to compliment him.
Sometimes RB just need to slam it into the line to get those 2yd gains  
rasbutant : 2/19/2021 8:20 am : link
Losing 2yds when the hole isn't there is a drive killer just like a 5 yard penalty. I like how Gallman runs hard and is always falling forward. That's what you need to get the offense into a rhythm. Once you've got the drive going then bring in Barkley to put the defense on it heels and make the big play. Coaches talk all the time about establishing the run, I feel like Barkley isn't good at that aspect of the position and should be used more as a weapon.
RE: huge supply of solid rb's available this  
rasbutant : 2/19/2021 8:24 am : link
In comment 15156847 Rory said:
Quote:
offseason, no reason to spend too much but outside of Gallman couple veteran names that caught my eye

Kenyan Drake
Malcom Brown
Jamal Williams
James Conner

sleeper Dion Lewis (jk)


From Spotrac
Kenyan Drake = 8.3M avg
James Conner = 5.4M avg

At those prices, do you really see them as an option for the Giants???
RE: Sometimes RB just need to slam it into the line to get those 2yd gains  
UConn4523 : 2/19/2021 8:27 am : link
In comment 15156939 rasbutant said:
Quote:
Losing 2yds when the hole isn't there is a drive killer just like a 5 yard penalty. I like how Gallman runs hard and is always falling forward. That's what you need to get the offense into a rhythm. Once you've got the drive going then bring in Barkley to put the defense on it heels and make the big play. Coaches talk all the time about establishing the run, I feel like Barkley isn't good at that aspect of the position and should be used more as a weapon.


Its a notable point, but Barkley sees a different defense than Gallman does (and had the unfortunate privilege to play without this newer OLine, something the Gallman got the benefit of as the season went on).

I don't buy that Barkley can't get 2 yards. I definitely think he tries to do too much on occasion, but as we saw in 2020 with our pathetic 17ppg offense, he kinda had to.

We need the continued improvement of the line so Barkley can actually do what he was picked for.
I'm in favor of keeping  
bigbluehoya : 2/19/2021 8:33 am : link
Gallman and using a mid/late round pick for the third.

Loved the way that Gallman was running this season. No dancing, hitting the hole hard, falling forward, and putting hits on linebackers.

Already acclimated to the locker room, familiar with/to the staff, provides some continuity.

They do need a better player behind him. One who can carry the ball as well as play in the passing game.
RE: RE: Should absolutely be drafting a RB this year  
Sec 103 : 2/19/2021 8:57 am : link
In comment 15156845 Del Shofner said:
Quote:
In comment 15156828 Jimmy Googs said:


Quote:


Fine with Gallman returning, bit nobody else though.

Grab another serviceable back before the summer.

Go into season with:
Barkley
Gallman
Day 3 Rookie
Free Agent




This is pretty much where I'm at as well.

+2
I like Jamaal Williams  
ryanmkeane : 2/19/2021 9:44 am : link
he always seemed to get some good yardage when he came in to spell Aaron Jones
Signing free agent  
Straw Hat : 2/19/2021 9:53 am : link
Rb’s is not a good idea. Serviceable rb’s are a dime a dozen in the mid rounds of drafts. Take on there every few years and repeat.
RE: I like Jamaal Williams  
eric2425ny : 2/19/2021 9:54 am : link
In comment 15157036 ryanmkeane said:
Quote:
he always seemed to get some good yardage when he came in to spell Aaron Jones


He’s a solid receiver and pass blocker as well.
With how undervalued RBs are  
JB_in_DC : 2/19/2021 9:55 am : link
Is Gallman really going to get an offer that would preclude us from keeping him?
RB might be scarier than WR for the Giants  
Andrew in Austin : 2/19/2021 10:21 am : link
Especially if we want to be a "run-first" team. Look, I love Barkley's physical ability, work ethic, and how he conducts himself, but to me, 2021 is as much a "prove-it" year for Saquon as it is for Jones:

1. Will his knee hold up? Typically players take more than a season to fully mentally recover, much less physically.
2. Can he start running more N/S and take the "dirty yards". He seemed to get better at this end of his first season, but he doesn't seem to do it consistently.
3. Can he learn to pass block? Its no use if he gets DJ killed on passing plays.

This upcoming season is going to be fascinating. We'll get to see if we have both a QB and RB of the future on this team.
RE: RB might be scarier than WR for the Giants  
eric2425ny : 2/19/2021 11:45 am : link
In comment 15157061 Andrew in Austin said:
Quote:
Especially if we want to be a "run-first" team. Look, I love Barkley's physical ability, work ethic, and how he conducts himself, but to me, 2021 is as much a "prove-it" year for Saquon as it is for Jones:

1. Will his knee hold up? Typically players take more than a season to fully mentally recover, much less physically.
2. Can he start running more N/S and take the "dirty yards". He seemed to get better at this end of his first season, but he doesn't seem to do it consistently.
3. Can he learn to pass block? Its no use if he gets DJ killed on passing plays.

This upcoming season is going to be fascinating. We'll get to see if we have both a QB and RB of the future on this team.


I agree on Barkley. I’m concerned with the knee now that he might start shying away from contact more and become Reggie Bush.
RE: RE: RB might be scarier than WR for the Giants  
TC : 2/19/2021 12:18 pm : link
In comment 15157171 eric2425ny said:
Quote:
In comment 15157061 Andrew in Austin said:


Quote:


Especially if we want to be a "run-first" team. Look, I love Barkley's physical ability, work ethic, and how he conducts himself, but to me, 2021 is as much a "prove-it" year for Saquon as it is for Jones:

1. Will his knee hold up? Typically players take more than a season to fully mentally recover, much less physically.
2. Can he start running more N/S and take the "dirty yards". He seemed to get better at this end of his first season, but he doesn't seem to do it consistently.
3. Can he learn to pass block? Its no use if he gets DJ killed on passing plays.

This upcoming season is going to be fascinating. We'll get to see if we have both a QB and RB of the future on this team.



I agree on Barkley. I’m concerned with the knee now that he might start shying away from contact more and become Reggie Bush.

If so, we may eventually see something like this -

Video - ( New Window )
Gallman probably wants a shot at a bigger role  
US1 Giants : 2/19/2021 1:18 pm : link
Sign a veteran RB to serve as the backup. They don't cost a whole lot.

Use the draft picks for WR, OL, DL, LB, and CB. Plenty of holes to fill.
RE: Should absolutely be drafting a RB this year  
Kev in Cali : 2/20/2021 12:53 am : link
In comment 15156828 Jimmy Googs said:
Quote:
Fine with Gallman returning, bit nobody else though.

Grab another serviceable back before the summer.

Go into season with:
Barkley
Gallman
Day 3 Rookie
Free Agent


I'd be fine with this scenario also. Hopeful for a vet that lasts more than 10 or 12 games would be nice too.

Then adhoc as needed.
Take a flier on one draft day....  
Kev in Cali : 2/20/2021 12:55 am : link
we may need another Barkley in the pipeline.
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