New York Giants: 53-man roster prediction after 2020 offseason
By Evan Orris
Running Backs (4, 10/53)
- 1. Saquon Barkley
- 2. Dion Lewis
- 3. Wayne Gallman
- 4. Javon Leake
If the Giants want a shot at making the playoffs it starts with Saquon Barkley. Barkley, the former number two overall pick, missed three games last season but played through a majority of them banged up. Even with the injuries, Barkley still was able to rack up 1,003 yards and 6 touchdowns.
If fully healthy, we know Barkley can be one of the top running backs in the league. He proved that when he put up over 2,000 scrimmage yards in his rookie season. And add 15 total touchdowns to go with that.
Behind the workhorse should be the change-of-pace running back Dion Lewis. Lewis will come in mainly to give Barkley a break, but he is a very good receiving option out of the backfield. During his time with the Patriots, which new head coach Joe Judge would be familiar with, Lewis was a frequent dump down option for Tom Brady.
In 2017 with the Pats, Lewis not only rushed for 896 yards but also caught 32 receptions on 35 targets.
Behind Lewis will be Wayne Gallman. Gallman was taken in the 2017 NFL Draft and has been the back-up for the past couple of years. But, has never surpassed 500 yards in a season.
Look for undrafted free agent Javon Leake to make the roster. Leake could make the team based solely on his special teams ability. In 2019, Leake was named Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year.
He accounted for 804 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The Giants could use an explosive kick returner to help the offense with good field position. Or even better, some points.