Loading ...The New York Giants selected Virginia Tech running back David Wilson with the 32nd pick of the 2012 NFL draft, a big step in the effort to bolster a running game that ranked worst in the NFL in 2011. Wilson broke former Giant Tiki Barber's ACC record for all-purpose yards his final season at Virginia Tech with 2,253 total yards.
In the Giants 101 yearly positional rankings released at the end of March, I had Wilson as the second highest graded running back behind Trent Richardson in this draft. To see the rankings and breakdown of the backs, click here.
Today, we take an in-depth look at the newest member of the New York Giants offense and what he brings to the table.
CAREER NOTES
- ACC record holder for all-purpose yards with 2,253 in 2011.
- 2nd team All American in 2011.
- 2011 ACC overall player of the year.
- 2011 ACC offensive player of the year.
- Scored 10 touchdowns and carried 290 times for 1,709 yards in 2011 (school record). Good for just under six yards per carry. Also added 22 receptions.
- Tied ACC single-season record with ten 100 yard games.
ANALYSIS
Strengths:
- Excellent combination of speed and burst. Has that rare gear to break away from defensive backs to the end zone at the NFL level. Has the jets.
- Very tough runner and will not shy away from contact. Lowers the pads and looks for the extra yard.
- Never takes a play off, very hard worker on the football field, and also a hard worker off the field. Loves the game.
- Elusive, strong, and has great balance. Will shake away from one would-be tackler and drop his shoulder into the next. Competitive and gains yards after initial contact.
- Dangerous in the open field on the bubble screen and can without a doubt hit the homerun.
- Extremely durable and productive for Virginia Tech. Strong career at a high level of competition.
- Solid hands and can be relied on to catch the swing pass out of the backfield.
- Talked about as an outstanding, high energy, high character teammate.
Weaknesses:
- Has ball security issues that will need to be addressed to be a full-time back at the NFL level.
- Can get impatient and miss running lanes and can be indecisive.
- Needs work in pass protection to be effective in blitz pickup and keep his quarterback clean.
- Will need to add some bulk to his frame going into the NFL game.
NFL COMPARISON
I'm going to give you three names on this one so stay with me – DeAngelo Williams, Tiki Barber, and a bit of LeSean McCoy. That's the mold I see in Wilson as a runner. Barber had better instincts and vision, but Wilson is similar in his smooth athleticism and acceleration after he breaks past the first level. Like Williams, he likes to run low to the ground and can be difficult to bring down with his toughness and power. Can hit the home run and shake tacklers in the hole like McCoy. I'm not saying he's good to be up there in McCoy's league, but the skill set is similar to these guys and if he can tone down the fumbling and become a little more patient in the backfield, this is going to be another scary weapon for the New York Giants offense.
PROJECTED ROLE IN 2012 WITH THE GIANTS
I expect Wilson to come in and step into the #2 running back spot behind Ahmad Bradshaw this summer. DJ Ware is a solid all-around utility back and Da'Rel Scott is dangerous on the edge, but Wilson is the most talented back of the group and could push Bradshaw for more and more carries as the season goes on if he stays healthy.
Wilson brings a home-run hitting, explosive element to the Giants offense as a runner and also gives them the best receiver out of the backfield they've had in quite some time. Look for him to get 11-13 carries a game along with some opportunities as a pass-catcher to start the season, and possibly even some return duties.
I expect the Giants running game to take a significant step forward with this addition next season.
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Great breakdown.
The more I think about this pick the more I like it. I love the fact that Wilson has been durable. Nothing is more frustrating than having a guy full of potential that is never on the field. No significant injury history is a huge plus.
Great write up Haz! This time of year is when you really come into your own and I for one thoroughly enjoy and appreciate it.
Thank you Rick, I really appreciate that. I’m glad you enjoy the draft work.
Great analysis Haz, and terrific evaluation per-draft. You nailed it.
Like I said Wednesday, I love the pick. I didn’t need to know who it would be. The Giants simply don’t get their first pick wrong under Reese/Ross.
No doubt in my mind this kid is our most talented back, by far. He’ll be the #1 guy by 2013 if not sooner. And no doubt in my mind that with him on the field the O-line will miraculously improve and be seen as a pretty good group.
Loved this pick. 21 overall ranked player and my 2nd ranked RB. This kid has a chance to be really special. Im also very excited about the talent still on the board, several very talented D-Lineman and Wideouts available.
Oh and got the call Ive been waiting hoping for today. No longer unemployed ;)
congrats – But dont let a small thing like a new job take you away from your primary focus !
I slept on this pick and I figured out why I wasn’t as in love with this pick as other ( not that I don’t like the pick) I love the pick but less than others here. I think it’s because I was so infatuated with getting Jefferey but if by some miracle we get Jefferey at 63 I will LOVE both picks and feel like we hit the jackpot. So many talent left I wish we could pick up a second second round pick. Btw I just wanna say this is the best giants blog with the smartest posters. Other giants blog and posters are killing this pick crying over not picking Martin or Adams lol.
Congrats Sam!
Good write up has really enjoy reading your analysis of these players.
What positions do you think the giants goes next 3 picks? Any chance Jeffery falls to 63? I have a feeling a few very good OL will fall to e third I.e. massie Sanders
OK … round 2 …
There’s still a lot of talent out there. Probably a good dozen of more players with borderline 1st round grades.
Do we try to move up? Do we entertain offers for Osi?
Smardz … good news on the job front … happy for ya.
Thanks man
Alshon definetly has a chance to fall. Hes a risky guy. Sveral red flags, however I believe he will overcome this and be a great wideout. Wouldnt mind making a move for him or Hill if they continue to slide. Also really like Worthy, Still, Reyes, Branch and Curry for our 2nd rounder. I have a feeling Glenn goes within the first few picks of the 2nd.
First, congrats on the job. Second, agreed on those talents. I expect a second really good player.
Will Osi be moved? I think only if they feel they are guaranteed to get a top DE in this second round.
Haz , I think youve convinced me that this is a good pick especially since he can catch the ball out of the backfield by your estimation . Hopefully his skill will let Gilbride retire the 3rd down draw play which everyone knows is coming . Well , at least it will give the Giants a serious option !
LoL I actually think Wilson would be amazing running the draw. I think that will still be featured a lot..
Im not disputing that but at least we are not going to watch and 95 % of the audience knows whats coming !
Just listening to Skip Bayless and Eric Mangini
Bayless – the Cowboys may just be the favorite to win the NFC east next year
(talking about Dallas picking Claiborne )
Mangini – talking about Claibourne being a good cover corner but they have to be able to tackle saying Cruz caught against them last year and broke the tackle
Also , Jim Stoll , last thread I asked whether this was a change in philosophy
for the Giants and you quite rightly pointed out that the Giants still had Nicks and Cruz – Mangini just went ok you draft to stop our passing game , we are going to run at you and see if you can stop that – do you think he was reading us ?
Sorry, but I think Skip Bayless is an total a**…no matter the subject.
First the broncos can’t lose with Tebow and now the Cowboys can’t lose with
Claiborne. Please spare us Skip!