5 Running Back Training Camp Battles to Watch This Offseason

New York Giants

At the start of the Giants' offseason, everyone in their crowded backfield had their place.

As the best early-down option for New York, Rashad Jennings was the first option in the running game. Shane Vereen was brought in for his proficiency in the passing game. And Andre Williams, well, his job keeping Tom Coughlin company on the sidelines is safe as well.

And it would've stayed that way if it weren't for the OTAs. Vereen is getting fed a high number of reps and could be more of a factor in the offense than originally expected.

When taken alongside head coach Tom Coughlin's words back in March that along with Vereen's ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, he sees Vereen as "A guy who runs the ball in the three-wide offense in the run game", it looks as if the roles in this backfield may not be as settled as some -- myself included -- had originally assumed.

Though Vereen's -3.08 Rushing Net Expected Points (NEP) ranked him 18th among all running backs with at least 100 carries last season, he was just a few points behind Jennings' -0.51 that had him sitting in 13th place in this metric. And with Vereen's being four years younger than Jennings is and continuing to grow as an all-around back, Vereen may just find himself as the lead back on this team by the time Week 1 rolls around.