New York Giants: Players to target in free agency
By Ryan Disdier
3. Shane Vereen/Stevan Ridley, RB
Dec 28, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Shane Vereen (34) against Buffalo Bills cornerback
Corey Graham(20) in the first half at Gillette Stadium. Buffalo Bills defeated the Patriots 17-9. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
The dyad of Rashad Jennings and Andre Williams is a good one, but it lacks versatility. The two players have the same running style. They bruise and grind for every single yard. Jennings can run and catch, but he lacks break-away speed. Williams can run and has more speed than Jennings, but he’s not a threat in the passing game and he’s a complete liability as a blocker.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
What this offense lacks is a dynamic running back that can do everything. A change-of-pace back, if you will. In 2014, defensive coordinators knew what they were getting when they started prepping for the Giants. New York was devoid of a back that can hit a proverbial home run.
Shane Vereen, who is one of the most versatile backs in the NFL, is axiomatically a back that can do everything. Vereen is a whole lot more elusive than Jennings or Williams, and his catching ability can be invaluable the Big Blue’s offense. New England loved using Vereen as an extra receiver, and it’s easy to see why. In fact, in 2013, Vereen had more receptions (47) than rushing attempts (44).
This year, Vereen has 391 rushing yards for two touchdowns to go along with his 447 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Vereen would take this offense to new places, as his running ability and ability to line up at receiver would add another dimension to the offense.
Stevan Ridley, although less versatile than Vereen, is a back that could also help elevate the Giants offense. Ridley is a back that has rushed for over 1,000 yards before. Like Vereen, Ridley is far more elusive than any current Giants back, and he has a unique mis of strength and speed. He’s had fumbling issues in the past, but I’m sure Tom Coughlin will fix those issues immediately. Ridley
I find it hard to believe the Patriots will retain both Vereen and Ridley with LeGarrette Blount and Jonas Gray on the roster. There is probably a higher chance that Ridley is let go, as Vereen is a whole lot more valuable to the Patriots. Whichever back the Patriots decide to dump, the Giants should try to sign. Although Vereen would be the ideal choice, there’s a better change of New England jettisoning Ridley.
Next: Balti-more help in the secondary