I thought we had a great draft and a solid offseason in general but I’m still a little concerned about the RB spot.
With Barkley coming off an ACL I have to imagine he’s going to be on some kind of pitch count for at least the first 4 or 5 games of the season.
I’m sure Booker will be fine, but is anyone else surprised we didn’t make an effort to draft a RB that is a little more established than the kid we got from Arizona? I mean worst case there are always Devonta Freeman type backs out there if we need one I guess.
If Barkley gets injured again we are well set up to grab a RB next year. In the interim, there are plenty of serviceable RB's in the FA market that we can get if push comes to shove.
Giants weren't going RB in round 1 or round 2. Round 3 they got a CB who was a round 2 value. Round 4 they got a good pass-rushing project. By round 6, there isn't really anyone who is that great. They got someone who could contribute on special teams, as your 3rd RB isn't going to play much otherwise.
If there is an injury to Barkley or Booker, they will pick up a Freeman to get carries. I don't expect Brightwell to get much play as a RB, as most 3rd RBs don't. Booker was picked up to get touches and alleviate the load on Barkley.
Gallman got signed by the 49ers for this year.
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In fact our old friend Gallman might even be available at some point. There’s no stars out there, but some very serviceable backs. Hopefully we don’t have to explore that Avenue this year. Barkley really needs to come back with a vengeance and Booker will be fine, barring injury. Brightwell looks like a nice complimentary back, but he’s certainly not ready for prime time yet.
Gallman got signed by the 49ers for this year.
I think he knows hence why he said he may be available at one point. SF drafted 2 RBs and have players on their roster already.
Trying to put myself in the Giants' mind, they not agree that there are any desirable RB's still out there. Or perhaps they think someone like Chunn, who I liked coming out of school may still show enough to be useful, or they're waiting too see what cuts become available as squads size down.
But I personally would have preferred if they had spent that 6th round pick on someone like Kylin Hill or Jermar Jefferson, at the expense of Brightwell. I thought both promising RB's with talent. (Though of course, Tom Quinn didn't personally recommend either! ;-)
And if NFL.Com's list is up to date, guys like Brenden Knox, and Stevie Scott are still out there. Either of whom might add a little bank to the RB corp.
Is there risk there? yes
Do I wish we had a better back up? yes
Do I think I would have drafted another one instead of what we did this past draft? NO - I think we did this correct and here is why.
Teams needs a starter - The team had to make a determination on Barkley's health and I have to trust that they have more info and professional opinions on this. So you have your starter who is getting the bulk of the carries - box checked
Then you needed a running back to give your starter a break during the game. This starter was hand picked by the staff early in free agency (you can disagree with who but it is what they decided) Booker. He can pass block better than the starter, he gets to the line fast and runs direct north/south running, he can catch passes out of the backfield - they liked him FOR THIS ROLE - box checked
A teams needs to have a receiving threat style of a running back. This is no reason why Toney would not also fit a Darren Sproles type of weapon from the RB spot. Toney was a huge investment as a first round pick and he also checks a box for the RB depth department. Booker is the guy get the load of spell carries but there is no reason why a 1st round player who runs jet sweeps and wildcat plays in college could not be a depth running back to handle some duties as well. We need to find clever way to get the ball in his hands and this should be one of them. - Dangerous receiver type of RB - Box checked
So what are missing on this team - what ROLE in the backfield are we missing. What we needed was back that could move a pile and get a tough yard. Someone that could dole out some punishment and would not be a useless active roster spot. There was one guy Sy's board who was like this but went a lot earlier in the draft, traded out our 5th might of been where the sacrifice was made for this. We know Judge likes players in this spot to play special teams and that is why they picked Brightwell. - box checked
Would I like to better than this - of course - I would love the have the best player in every position, including backups, but we cant fill every hole - every year.
Eventually this years rookies will make teams and players will shake free - running backs are probably one of the most common ones - so filling this need is very low on the list of in case players go down concern list.
Brightwell style and contribution may be very similar to Gallman. Gallman may be a better runner, but Brightwell may be better as a receiver and ST player.
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In fact our old friend Gallman might even be available at some point. There’s no stars out there, but some very serviceable backs. Hopefully we don’t have to explore that Avenue this year. Barkley really needs to come back with a vengeance and Booker will be fine, barring injury. Brightwell looks like a nice complimentary back, but he’s certainly not ready for prime time yet.
Gallman got signed by the 49ers for this year.
Yeah, but have you seen their RB depth chart? Hell, they drafted two more!