[jwplayer ySSvg6FP]
New York Giants running back Wayne Gallman just finished his fourth season in the NFL as a little-used former college star who never got much of a shot to shine.
Before this season, Gallman only started four the 38 games he dressed for, serving as a complimentary back, first for Orleans Darkwa as a rookie and then for Saquon Barkley he past three years.
In 2020, Gallman became the Giants’ premier back after Barkley blew out his ACL in Week 2. Gallman started 10 games, rushing for 682 yards on 147 attempts a 4.6 YPC average, and scored six touchdowns.
Gallman, despite earning some serious cred with the Giants’ coaching staff and fans, is likely to depart this spring in free agency. But Former Giant great Ottis Anderson thinks the Giants would be making a mistake by allowing Gallman to walk.
“I’ve said for a long time the Giants should never get rid of that kid,” Anderson told Big Blue View’s Ed Valentine on his podcast. “I’m glad they kept him around because he’s very valuable and I love what he’s done. He’s a one-cut and take what you give. He’s not trying to hit the home run every time he gets the ball in his hands. That’s the difference between him and Barkley.”
Anderson said that Barkley could actually learn from watching film of Gallman’s patience and willingness to make runs for lesser yards rather than trying to break the big run every time out.
“Show him films of Wayne. . . look at what Wayne did,” he said. “Wayne took what the defense gave him and he didn’t try to get those home runs every time he touched the football, but you saw them come.”
Barkley is indeed an explosive playmaker but sometimes a nuance here and there can elevate a payer to the nest level. Those nuances could come for both Barkley, should he rebound from his injury, and by re-signing Gallman, who has proved his value and then some to the Giants.
[lawrence-related id=663775,663920,663903]