How Soon Might RB Eric Gray Begin Contributing to Giants' Offense?

Can Eric Gray take some of the pressure off of Saquon Barkley in 2023?

Eric Gray, Running Back

Height: 5-foot-10 | Weight: 210 pounds

2022 Stats*: 213 carries, 1,366 rushing yards, 11 touchdowns, 33 catches, 229 receiving yards

*College stats at Oklahoma

Eric Gray was a consistent playmaker in the SEC for his first two seasons before transferring to Oklahoma and the Big XII for his final two years.

One of the reasons that Gray transferred out was to get the opportunity to showcase his talent in an offense like the one Oklahoma ran under Lincoln Riley that would make him a more featured part of the game plan.

It wouldn’t be until Riley was gone and Brent Venables became head coach that Gray would truly break out with his 1,366-yard 2022 season.

Gray also told reporters that he wanted to work with former NFL running back Demarco Murray, the running backs coach at Oklahoma. Under Murray's tutelage, Gray managed to record his first and only 1,000-yard rushing season, that being last year when he logged 1,374 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns for the Sooners.

Best Case Scenario

If the stars align perfectly, then the Giants have finally found their complementary back of the future to pair with Saquon Barkley, which would, of course, mean the Giants won't have to keep leaning as heavily on Barkley, thereby saving him some wear and tear on his body.

Gray has the skillset to contribute on every down as an inside-out runner, pass-catcher, and pass protector, although bulking up slightly should help him even more in all areas.

If Gray can develop at this next level, his versatile skillset will allow him to become a key part of the Giants' offense for years to come, regardless of what happens long-term with Barkley.

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Worst Case Scenario

Gray hit his stride after leaving the toughest conference in college football and going to the Big XII, which usually operates with lighter boxes. If heavier boxes and more talented defenses give Gray issues finding open rushing lanes, he could become just another late-round running back that doesn’t pan out.

What to Expect in 2023

Gray shouldn’t be expected to dominate his rookie season, but fair expectations are that he'll be working as the second or third running back in the room by the end of the year.

An every-down skillset to go with his dynamic creativity as a ball carrier should open the door for him to surpass Gary Brightwell and maybe even Matt Breida.

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