If you follow the NFL closely or even remotely, you’re probably aware of the big-name running backs joining the league this season — rookies who might become household names by the end of the year. But one Day 3 RB who isn’t getting much attention might be the most important running back to track in rookie minicamps. I’m talking about the New York Giants‘ Eric Gray.
Is Eric Gray NFL-Ready?
Gray was selected with the No. 172 pick, sandwiched between Buccaneers TE Payne Durham and 49ers OLB Robert Beal. In a perfect storm of success for these incoming rookies, all three will be active on game days, and all three will make this year’s playoffs.
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At first glance, Gray doesn’t jump off the page. He was the 11th running back drafted, and also the oldest. He’ll turn 24 in November, which is downright ancient for a first-year RB hoping to carve out a meaningful NFL career. Gray is relatively slow with 4.62-speed, and he isn’t known as a strong finisher.
Giants head coach Brian Daboll didn’t exactly offer a ringing endorsement when he stated that “I’m going to wait until August or September to see where we’re at [with Gray].”
Granted, we could chalk that up to coach-speak. And there’s a lot at play in the Giants’ backfield this summer, headlined by Saquon Barkley’s contract situation (more on that in a moment). So there are plenty of reasons why Daboll would want to keep his cards close to his chest.
There are plenty of reasons why, for example, The Athletic placed Gray on their “2023 All-Draft Pick Team.” He’s a three-down back, period. And at the professional level, that gives New York some flexibility heading into the summer.
Gray isn’t your customary Day 3 selection. He’s superb on the ground and through the air, and he’s also a capable blocker. By most accounts, he can transition these skills to the NFL. All that remains is (a) how quickly he can get up to speed, (b) how his size and speed translate at this level, and (c) how desperately the Giants need him.
What Is Saquon Barkley’s Status?
Barkley’s contract negotiations with the Giants unofficially began when they drafted him with the No. 2 overall pick in 2018. He had just turned 21 and was deemed to be one of the greatest RB prospects in a decade or more. New York assuredly would run him as much as possible those next four-to-five seasons. And Barkley assuredly would do everything he could to dominate.
As a rookie, he exceeded even the loftiest realistic expectations en route to Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. The next season, an injury sidelined Barkley for three games. The season after that, he missed 14 contests. And the next season, he missed four games while limping his way to a meager 3.7 yards per carry.
In Year 5, Barkley finally stayed healthy, starting 16 games while helping to lead the Giants’ offense. All good, right? Barkley had returned to elite or near-elite status.
But in the modern NFL, it’s tough for teams to commit long-term to a running back after his rookie contract expires — especially one with Barkley’s pronounced injury history. As great as he is, paying him what he deserves could haunt New York’s franchise for years. Of course, it could also help propel this team back to the postseason. That’s what must be weighed.
It’s why both sides remain apart in negotiations. Barkley has done everything this team has asked of him. Injuries are not his fault, but playing on a one-year contract increases the odds of a decreased market value next year.
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In Barkley’s rookie campaign, one of the best running backs at the time was Le’Veon Bell. Bell held out the entire 2018 season because the Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t give him the contract he believed he deserved, and he was worried an in-season injury would severely cap his market value heading into 2019.
Not at all. That Steelers team had gone 13-3 the year before and were Super Bowl contenders. Bell was viewed as indispensable — but not indispensable enough for Pittsburgh to pay their aging running back big money.
So Barkley’s situation isn’t new. And his contract deliberations with the Giants will have a massive impact on Gray’s value.
Because currently, only Matt Breida and Gary Brightwell stand in Gray’s way as the rookie tries to earn the RB handcuff job. If he does, and if Barkley and the Giants continue to remain apart in their priorities, then Gray could begin the season as the team’s primary running back. At that point — just like Pittsburgh’s James Conner five years ago — a new star could be born.
