The New York Giants have a new entry for their backfield competition. Shaun Draughn is finally ready to take the field after offseason ankle surgery. His ability to contribute at the running back spot is unknown at this point, as he's more of a depth player than anything. Fantasy football owners should not be drafting Draughn. But the team signed him in March, so they likely have a plan on how to utilize the back during the 2017 season.
Draughn takes the field
Draughn has previously stated that the decision to have the offseason ankle injury was an extremely challenging one.
After all, he didn't want to risk his opportunity to contribute to an NFL team at the age of 29. The team signed him to a one-year contract back in March. The Giants are the ninth team of his career, despite the fact that he has only been in the league since 2011. In all likelihood, they could be his last as well.
Last season was arguably his best year in the NFL. He only rushed for 196 yards with the San Francisco 49ers, but he also plowed into the end zone four times. He also registered 263 receiving yards and two touchdowns through the air. Prior to last year, he only recorded three touchdowns on the ground and none through the air. The Giants could use a bruising back they could give the ball to on goal line situations.
Draughn wants to be that back, but he's going to have some competition.
Giants running back picture
There are a lot of running backs on the Giants roster. Paul Perkins is going to start in an offense driven by the passing game - that much seems for certain. After that, Shane Vereen is next on the depth chart, with the same role assignment as Draughn would ideally have.
He's been looking better recently, which could threaten Draughn's status on the roster. The team doesn't need two players who have the same skill set in the backfield.
Orleans Darkwa is still around as well, but he isn't as big of a threat as Wayne Gallman. The Giants drafted the running back out of Clemson to be part of a new generation of offensive weapons, so he certainly isn't losing his roster spot.
His development is way ahead of schedule, however, with the rookie threatening for a legitimate role on this season's depth chart. If that happens, Draughn may as well pack his bag and begin looking for his tenth team, because the odds of the veteran with one good year beating out the promising rookie for a roster spot are completely nonexistent.
