Fansided

New York Giants free agency 2017: Top 5 targets

By James Dudko

Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive guard Ted Larsen (62) and Washington Redskins defensive end Chris Baker (92) in action during the game at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive guard Ted Larsen (62) and Washington Redskins defensive end Chris Baker (92) in action during the game at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Dec 4, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back James Starks runs for yardage in the first quarter against the Houston Texans at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/The Post-Crescent via USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back James Starks runs for yardage in the first quarter against the Houston Texans at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/The Post-Crescent via USA TODAY Sports /

3. James Starks, RB, Green Bay Packers

The running game is an annual concern in the blue half of the Big Apple. It’s a problem that can be mitigated by bringing a versatile veteran like James Starks on board.

Even at 30, Starks is a far more dynamic and imaginative runner than Rashad Jennings, the man the Giants released earlier this offseason. Like Jennings, Starks lacks natural explosion, but he’s shifty and durable running inside.

Starks is also a highly adept receiver out of the backfield. It’s a skill the Giants may need with Jennings gone and Bobby Rainey a free agent.

McAdoo knows Starks’ abilities well, having worked alongside him with the Green Bay Packers. The coach will also know how valuable this savvy pro can be as a mentor to young Paul Perkins.

Drafted in the fifth round last year, Perkins showed some promise as a rookie. He topped 100 yards in the season finale against Washington.

But the ex-UCLA man isn’t ready to carry the load by himself. He needs to share the burden with veterans who can teach him a thing or two.

Home/New York Giants