<![CDATA[Giants add physical running back Gary Brightwell late in NFL Draft]]> https://usagag.com/2021/05/01/giants-add-physical-running-back-gary-brightwell-late-in-nfl-draft/ Sat, 01 May 2021 16:32:54 +0000 hourly 1 https://usagag.com Giants add physical running back Gary Brightwell late in NFL Draft The Giants went offensive with the first of their two picks in the sixth round, but not by way of a lineman. 

They opted to fortify their depth at running back, selecting Gary Brightwell from Arizona with the 196th overall pick.

The Giants drafted Gary Brightwell in the 2021 NFL Draft
Getty Images

There is not much in the way of proven NFL talent on the roster for the Giants in their backfield, and Brightwell will try to find a place for himself behind Saquon Barkley and free agent addition Devontae Booker. Barkley is coming off reconstructive knee surgery, as he tore his anterior cruciate ligament in Week 2 last season, landing him on injured reserve.

Barkley is on schedule to be ready to return this summer, in plenty of time for the start of the regular season.

  • Giants complete 2021 NFL Draft Tracker

Brightwell is a big guy (5-foot-11, 218 pounds) who some scouts viewed as a seventh-round pick or a priority free agent. He ran for 1,305 yards in his college career, never getting more than 91 rushing attempts in a season. He averaged 5.3 yards per carry and scored nine touchdowns. He is not considered to be an accomplished pass-catcher out of the backfield.

He is considered a physical runner who needs to fine-tune his running style. He is more of a slasher than a burner, with a 40-yard dash time of 4.62.

This story originally appeared on: NyPost - Author:Paul Schwartz

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