Fantasy Upside
Paul Perkins should have every opportunity to seize the starting job for the Giants this year. Rashad Jennings wasn’t retained, and he showed enough potential last season to keep the Giants from investing heavily in a running back upgrade this offseason. Perkins rushed for 102 yards on 21 carries in his last game of the regular season, and the Giants are hoping he can provide stability at the position.
Fantasy Downside
Perkins will be limited to a two-down role with Shane Vereen back from injury, and he’ll have less value in PPR formats. He only caught 15 passes last season, and Vereen is a much more accomplished receiver out of the backfield. Additionally, Perkins looked very average in his role last year, failing to score a touchdown, despite touching the ball 127 times. Perkins will get the first opportunity to win the job, but rookie Wayne Gallman and veterans Orleans Darkwa and Shaun Draughn will be ready to step in if he falters.
2017 Bottom Line
Perkins has value because of his potential to get 10-15 carries per game this year. The Giants have a potent passing attack that should keep safeties out of the box. Without Jennings around, the job is Perkins’ to lose. His job security is too shaky to invest an early pick on him, but he should be considered a nice risk/reward option in the middle rounds. His round nine price tag is reasonable in 10-team leagues, considering his upside.