The New York Giants top two running backs on the roster are Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Cam Skattebo. With that being said, they have not been the best running backs the franchise has seen over the last 20 years. Some of the running backs that have been good for this franchise over the last 20 years were Ahmad Bradshaw, Brandon Jacobs, and Saquon Barkley.
USATSI 19836946 168422142 lowres
Zak DeOssie and Ahmad Bradshaw sign posters at a Giants playoff party at Tommy’s Tavern and Bar in Clifton, NJ on Saturday, Jan 21, 2023.
Giants Playoff Party At Tommy S
Barkley was the second overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft from the Penn State Nittany Lions. He had a few good seasons and also some injuries as well. Barkley left the Giants in free agency after the 2023 NFL season. As for Bradshaw and Jacobs, they were the 1-2 punch at running back for this franchise during the 2007 and 2011 Super Bowl teams. Who was the best running back over the last 20 years for the Giants according to profootballfocus.com?
PFF Ranks Ahmad Bradshaw as the Best New York Giants Running Back Over the Last 20 Years
USATSI 19837079 168422142 lowres
Zak DeOssie and Ahmad Bradshaw sign posters at a Giants playoff party at Tommy’s Tavern and Bar in Clifton, NJ on Saturday, Jan 21, 2023.
Giants Playoff Party At Tommy S
Nathan Jahnke of profootballfocus.com listed the best players at each position for the Giants over the last 20 years. New York no doubt had a good team, but most of the players who were good was during those Super Bowl years. Jahnke has Bradshaw as the best New York running back over the last 20 years. He said,
“The toughest decision came at running back, where Ahmad Bradshaw narrowly edged out Saquon Barkley. Barkley reached a higher peak during his rookie season and produced more volume as both a runner and receiver. Bradshaw, however, was consistently more efficient. He averaged more yards per carry, generated a first down or touchdown on 24.0% of his rushing attempts compared to Barkley’s 19.6%, and posted a higher explosive-run rate. He also held an advantage as a receiver, averaging 1.33 yards per route run versus Barkley’s 1.15.
The deciding factor was pass protection. Bradshaw allowed pressure on just 3.7% of his pass-blocking snaps compared to 8.5% for Barkley despite being asked to stay in protection more frequently. Had Barkley remained healthy throughout his six seasons in New York, he likely would have claimed the spot. Bradshaw’s efficiency across multiple facets of the position ultimately gave him the edge.”
In 103 games with the Giants, Bradshaw rushed for 4,928 yards and 36 touchdowns, along with averaging 4.6 yards per carry. He had played for New York from 2007-2012. Bradshaw was strong and was an amazing blocker as well and was a much better blocker than Barkley ever was.
For More Great Football Content
Follow me on Twitter at @glennkaplan13 more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and professional football, click here!