The New York Giants could finally cut underwhelming draft pick and running back Eric Gray after training camp and the preseason later this summer, and the early prediction stems from an offseason decision.
It was initially somewhat surprising when the Giants were linked to running back prospect Cam Skattebo, among other ball carriers, ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. After all, 2024 rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. was coming off a strong year one in the league, and it felt like Big Blue had other needs.
In the end, the Skattebo rumors became a reality on draft weekend, and The Athletic’s NYG beat reporter Dan Duggan believes that selection and interest are a bad sign for Gray making the 53-man roster.
While projecting the Week 1 roster on July 1, Duggan predicted that the Giants would officially cut ties with Gray.
“The Skattebo selection in the fourth round of this year’s draft sealed Gray’s fate,” the NYG beat reporter reasoned. “A 2023 fifth-round pick, Gray has only averaged 2.5 yards per carry in limited action while struggling with ball security and failing to take advantage of opportunities at returner.”
Duggan did note that second-year UDFA Dante Miller could be a “dark horse” for a potential RB4 role behind Tracy, Skattebo and veteran Devin Singletary, but settled on three RBs making the 53-man roster.
Neither Gray nor Miller was one of those three.
Eric Gray’s Cut Will Require Giants General Manager Joe Schoen to Admit to Wasting Another Draft Pick
As Duggan reminded, Gray was only drafted in 2023. So, his release would act as an admission of guilt from general manager Joe Schoen, who has already wasted a decent amount of draft capital since taking the job.
Since Schoen’s first draft in 2022, the Giants have already moved on from three of his picks (Marcus McKethan, Darrian Beavers and Gervarrius Owens). Several more drafted cuts could be on the horizon in 2025, however.
Defensive linemen D.J. Davidson and Jordon Riley, as well as offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu, are all on the hot seat this summer.
As are fading skill position players like Gray and tight end Daniel Bellinger.
And 2022 first-rounders Evan Neal and Kayvon Thibodeaux have been talked about as possible trade candidates if things go south this year.
If the Giants want to make some noise in 2025, they have to change the way they operate, and that means finally moving on from the dead weight of failed draft picks. Unfortunately for Schoen, that would also mean admitting he’s made some mistakes.
Could Giants RB Dante Miller Sneak Onto 53-Man Roster During 2025 Training Camp?
Miller was identified as an early standout at OTAs and minicamp, although it’s hard to tell how much of an impact a running back will have before the pads come on.
After highlighting him as a “dark horse” to make the team, Duggan wrote: “[Miller] hung around on the practice squad last season as an undrafted rookie before joining the active roster in Week 18 in a move that signaled that the organization valued him. The explosive Miller could force his way onto the roster if he stands out as a kick returner in the preseason.”
Although Miller will likely have to prove he deserves a special teams/depth spot over another player at a different position, it almost feels like he has a better chance to make the roster than Gray.
Simply put, one profiles as a youngster with potential and room to grow, while the other has failed to impress since being drafted.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Giants’ Offseason Decision ‘Sealed’ Disappointing Draft Pick’s Fate appeared first on Heavy Sports.