Fantasy football owners love to stay away from the dreaded “running back by committee.” That’s why big names like Jamaal Charles and Eddie Lacy go so high in drafts. Talent is part of it, but even more important is the fact that barring injury, the starting job is all theirs for all three downs.
Unfortunately, those situations are scarce these days, and owners have to intelligently navigate committees and pick the guys with the better end. Today we will look at the New York Giants’ running back crew and find the right guys. As always, average draft position (ADP) will come from Fantasy Pros.
Rashad Jennings, ADP: 70
Jennings was fairly productive in 2014, but he only started nine games and appeared in 11. When the Giants signed him following a breakout 2013 in Oakland, the knock on him was a knack for getting hurt. That happened again, and the G-Men suffered for it. This season he is healthy to start camp, and he’s been the 28th RB off the board on average.
That is too rich for my blood. Jennings, 30, shouldn’t be a good bet to stay healthy in any season anymore, and he has a lot of competition in that backfield. Healthy, Jennings won’t be a three-down back, and his 3.8 yards per carry last season hinted at a decline. He's also taking a bunch of reps with the second team, according to The New York Daily News. It happens fast at this position, so unless Jennings is really falling owners might want to look elsewhere.
Andre Williams, ADP: 145
Williams is the most undervalued of the Giants’ three rushers. He is barely being drafted as a Top 50 running back this year, and he has a good chance to lead Big Blue in both rushing attempts and touchdowns. Last year he averaged a very weak 3.3 yards per rush and he entered the league as a bruiser, not a burner.
Still, he found the end zone seven times and with another training camp under his belt he may be trusted with more playing time. The third man in the Giants’ backfield is not to be trusted as a workhorse, so if Jennings gets nicked up Giants fans will be getting very acquainted with Williams. A potential steal.
Shane Vereen, ADP: 106
Vereen is the wildcard in the group. He’s far and away the best pass catcher of the three running backs and has the passing downs locked up. The question now is whether head coach Tom Coughlin will have enough faith in Vereen to trust him more on early downs and stay intact.
Vereen has the most talent of the group, offers the most versatility, and was one of the team’s top offseason targets. Because of how much the Giants throw the ball, he will be in line for increased touches from his days with the Patriots. If he can somehow wriggle into a leading role, Vereen might not just be a bargain—he could be a stud.
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