NFL Draft: 5 RBs the Giants could select to replace Saquon Barkley

NFL Draft: 5 RBs the Giants could select to replace Saquon Barkley

The New York Giants watched star running back Saquon Barkley sign with a division rival in free agency this offseason, but they may have a chance to find a replacement in the 2024 NFL Draft.

With Barkley down donning the green as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, the Giants signed veteran Devin Singletary to a three-year contract in free agency. Singletary can be a nice stop-gap at the position, but he shouldn’t be considered the future at running back.

Holding six picks and a long list of needs, running back probably isn’t near the top. But there’s enough depth in this class that the Giants may be able to find Barkley’s replacement.

For more Giants coverage, check out Kevin Hickey’s work on Sporting News.

RBs the Giants could replace Saquon Barkley with

Replacing the uber-talented Barkley will be no easy task, and it’s unlikely the Giants will get similar production right away from the backs in this class. But it wouldn’t be a surprise if general manager Joe Schoen used a Day 2 or Day 3 pick at the position to provide some depth and upside.

1. Jonathon Brooks, Texas

Some analysts have Brooks sitting atop the rankings for this class and it may have been the consensus if he didn’t tear his ACL in November. If Brooks slips a bit on Day 2 and the Giants are willing to be patient with his recovery, he would be a fantastic addition to the backfield. Brooks has proven to be a fluid athlete with impressive vision and big-play potential.

2. Trey Benson, Florida State

A running back prospect we know the Giants have interest in, Benson is expected to bring speed and explosiveness to whichever backfield he enters in the NFL. Posting a 40-yard dash time of 4.39 seconds at 216 pounds, Benson isn’t afraid of contact and could be an explosive piece of a tandem with Singletary. Whether the Giants want to spend a Day 2 pick on a running back remains to be seen, but Benson is likely going in that range.

3. Ray Davis, Kentucky

There are a number of red flags with Davis’ profile. He will be 25 years old in November, he transferred three times during his college career, and he only has two seasons of starting production. However, what he shows on the field in terms of contact balance and change-of-direction skills could be enough for the Giants to consider him as a short-term option in the backfield as a Day 3 pick.

4. Isaac Guerendo, Louisville

There’s no denying Guerendo is a projection based on what he brings as a size-speed back. At 223 pounds, Guerendo posted a blazing 4.33 in the 40-yard dash. He wouldn’t be a starter right away, but he could thrive as an explosive playmaker as a one-cut back in Brian Daboll’s offense. And it’s likely the Giants can wait until the middle of Day 3 to get him.

5. Kimani Vidal, Troy

If the giants wanted to wait until late Day 3 to take a running back, Vidal would be an intriguing choice. He posted a 4.46 in the 40-yard dash at 213 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine. He also posted 33 touchdowns and 92 receptions during his career at Troy. Vidal’s skills in terms of contact balance, processing and pass protection make him an ideal Day 3 target for a team looking to add to the backfield.