The defending Super Bowl champions spent the final pick in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft on a dynamic running back out of Virginia Tech, David Wilson. His selection marked the first time the New York Giants had taken this position in the first round since Ron Dayne in 2000 but the choice was a well-timed and necessary move to bolster a rushing attack that finished dead-last in 2011.
Despite very limited experience at the collegiate level — he was a one-year starter for the Hokies — many analysts saw the Giants’ pick as a good move to improve their team.
Leading up to the draft, NFL Draft Monsters’ Brandon Howard wrote:
While many believe Lamar Miller to be the 2nd best RB in the 2012 NFL draft class, in my estimation, it is David Wilson that holds that position. Wilson is the greatest combination of acceleration, balance, long speed and vision of any RB in this class. What currently sets Wilson back is his ability to protect the QB in pass protection. If Wilson is able to improve upon his technique in this area (which I’m positive he will), he will be an exceptional feature back in the NFL for years to come. Wilson will likely be a late 1st to mid 2nd round pick in the 2012 NFL draft.
Wilson’s home-run threat possibility excited Giants fans. But a fumble in the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys landed the rookie in head coach Tom Coughlin’s doghouse for much of the first half of the season. Ultimately, however, Wilson did not disappoint.
The 21-year-old delivered his breakout performance in a Week 14 blowout victory against the New Orleans Saints. He set the Giants franchise record for all-purpose yards in a single game with 327 (100 rushing, 227 kick return) and three touchdowns that sent the sensational athlete directly into the hearts of Giants’ fans everywhere.
Wilson capped off his rookie campaign with 358 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns, a league-leading 1,533 kick return yards and a 97-yard kick return touchdown.
Earning the nickname “Flip Wilson” for the back flips he does after scoring a touchdown, the lethal rusher scored four of his five touchdowns in the final four games of the season. If those four games were any indication, there will be plenty of back flips in his and the New York’s future.
Wilson’s potential to be a dominant feature back in the NFL became more and more evident as the season went on, resulting in two opportunities to start. He may have etched his name at the top of the depth chart with incumbent first-team running back Ahmad Bradshaw’s future with the team uncertain.
The VA Tech alumnus will need to continue to work on improving his pass protection, but he did show flashes in the limited opportunities afforded him during his rookie season. He will see more snaps in 2013 and these occasions will be his chance to step up in the blocking department. There is no question, however, that he is already a top-tier returner and a blossoming running back.
Wilson’s performance in the final few games for the Giants is a positive sign of what’s to come for this young player. With proper coaching and assistance in his development, there is no question he could — and should — be among the NFL’s best running backs in the near future.
Grading the Selection: A
Louis Musto is a contributor to the Sports Journey Broadcast Network. You can follow him on Twitter @LouisMusto.