*a series dedicated to profiling the players on the Giants’ roster. Know The Giant will be released daily from now until the start of the season. Up next: running back Eric Gray.
Basic Information
- Age: 24 years old
- College: Oklahoma
- Experience: entering second season in NFL
- Drafted by the Giants in the fifth round in 2023
Career Statistics
- Appeared in 13 games last year, with zero starts
- 17 attempts, 48 yards, zero touchdowns
- Spent four years in college (Tennessee and Oklahoma): 549 attempts, 3,089 yards, 21 touchdowns
- Best season was in 2022, rushing the ball 213 times for 1,366 yards and 11 touchdowns
Overview
After a productive senior year as an Oklahoma Sooner, Eric Gray was drafted by the Giants in the fifth round, 172nd overall in 2023.
Brought in merely to be a backup for Saquon Barkley, he didn’t get much playing time in the backfield. The most action he got was in week five when he carried the ball 12 times for just 25 yards (Barkley was out with an injury, and Matt Breida was unproductive as well with just nine carries for 21 yards).
Gray was mostly on special teams, including serving as the team’s kick returner at times (which was weird, considering he wasn’t serving that role in college).
One concern worth noting was his three fumbles. With barely any touches last season, it’s clear he needs to hold onto the football.
2024 Expectations
With Barkley out of the picture, a bigger role awaits Gray. Though Devin Singletary is slated to be the main back, Gray will work with him along with rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. as a backfield committee.
Don't forget about 5th round 2023 pick Eric Gray.
— Belt Guy (@ThisIsNotZain) May 8, 2024
In the RBC world, he's got north to south ability and should get touches.
Underrated as a receiver. pic.twitter.com/jAf6bzfdwl
Gray has good acceleration and can run after contact. His burst and ability to make solid cuts allow him to make big plays.
Though we haven’t seen much of him, I wouldn’t be surprised if he emerges as a lead back because of his ability to catch the football along with carrying the ball.
The potential is there. We’ll see how much of a role Eric Gray will have in 2024. I believe he’ll be a solid RB2 with an inside track to be the main back.
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Featured Image: Luke Hales/Getty Images
