David Wilson's Chance

When the New York Giants took RB David Wilson with the final pick of the first round out of Virginia Tech, it was kind of clear that he would have a significant role with the team. RB Brandon Jacobs was let go by the Giants and subsequently signed with the San Francisco 49ers, prompting the Giants to draft a running back.

Wilson looked explosive and quick in the preseason. However, in his first carry in the regular season against the Dallas Cowboys, fumbled the ball and hasn’t really gotten many chances since. In total, Wilson only has 18 carries for 89 yards and a touchdown.

Wilson certainly had his issues protecting the football at Virginia Tech as well, and that was the reason why Tom Coughlin decided to go with RB Andre Brown over Wilson. Brown has definitely made an impression on the players and coaches, while Wilson works to get more carries.

Wilson has done a great job getting the Giants solid field position on kick returns. He hasn’t fumbled since that fateful first carry. So what’s holding the Giants back from putting him in the game more?

Another key element of being in the backfield is pass protection and picking up blitzing assignments. It isn’t know whether Wilson is struggling in practices handling those duties, but if he is struggling at that, that’s a very good reason to keep his time in the backfield limited.

Wilson made the statements earlier this season that he’ll be a Hall-of-Famer when it’s all said and done. We never really know who will pan out to be in the Hall of Fame halfway into their rookie season. However, Wilson should be thinking about the present and thinking about how he will help the Giants improve offensively on his end.