Someone is going to have to start at running back for the New York Giants, and it looks like Paul Perkins has a really good shot to be the guy.
The Giants' coaching staff referred to him as a "three-down back," and there have been a slew of reports saying Perkins is heading into the preseason as the lead back.
When you take into account his current price (RB28) and what he did last season, we can rightly start feeling giddy.
Perkins wasn't a stud last year by any means, but he fared a lot better than the Giants' other running backs.
| 2016 Giants RBs | Rushes | Rushing NEP/P | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rashad Jennings | 181 | -0.12 | 32.60% |
| Paul Perkins | 112 | -0.02 | 40.18% |
| Shane Vereen | 33 | -0.01 | 39.39% |
| Orleans Darkwa | 30 | -0.02 | 33.33% |
| Bobby Rainey | 17 | -0.17 | 35.29% |
For running backs, the league averages in these stats were -0.02 Rushing NEP per carry and a 40.28% Success Rate. Perkins was an average producer, but when you consider how much Rashad Jennings struggled in the same environment, it makes Perkins' "meh" numbers look pretty good.
Vereen will likely assume pass-game duties, but as long as Perkins stays atop the depth chart, he's a breakout candidate and sweet value at his current cost.