The New York Giants signed free agent running back Bobby Rainey, formerly of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rainey was, at one point, thought to be a potential starting candidate, however, Doug Martin and Charles Sims were able to take over the primary rushing roles in that offense.
The Giants need a solid group of running backs and have not found the right combinations of players to help control games. This has become increasingly evident late in games as the Giants cannot turn to one specific running back to close out an opponent.
Currently, the G-Men have Rashad Jennings, Andre Williams, Shane Vereen and Orleans Darkwa as its primary group of running backs and they have proven to be wildly ineffective. Vereen turned out to not be as effective as he was while playing with the New England Patriots, Darkwa was a surprise and should have a rough time replicating a start-worthy performance, and Williams and Jennings have switched roles between capable starters and benchwarmers.
One of the biggest concerns of the Giants heading into the offseason was building up the offensive line along with finding running backs that can make plays. The 2016 NFL Draft is full of potential backs that could become bell cows for offenses all over the NFL, however, the Giants may be focused on building up this roster instead of focusing on drafting a top running back prospect.
New York could miss out on the draft's top talent at the running back position in Ezekiel Elliott as the Dallas Cowboys will have the No. 4 overall selection and may look to add the best running back in the draft to their roster. Signing Rainey gives them some breathing room at the position as he could potentially find a solid role in the offense.
Rainey's best season came in his first season with the Buccaneers when he recorded 137 rushing attempts, 532 rushing yards, 3.9 yards per carry and five rushing touchdowns. Rainey currently averages more yard per carry than Williams and is a solid veteran back who should provide enough production to upgrade this running game as a backup.
It is unknown when the Giants intend to take a running back in the draft, but it could happen in the second or third round if the right name falls to them. The Giants have also made two depth signings as they have added linebacker Kelvin Sheppard and offensive tackle Byron Stingily.
