The plan all along was for the Giants to take a running back in the middle of this 2023 NFL Draft. 

They wanted to build up their depth at the position and they did so on Saturday, selecting Eric Gray from Oklahoma in the fifth round.

How expected was this?

General manager Joe Schoen actually alerted Saquon Barkley prior to the draft that a running back would be taken, making sure Barkley would not be blind-sided by the news. 

Not that a player taken with the 172nd overall pick is going to challenge Barkley, who has not yet signed his franchise tender of $10.1 million, in hopes of securing a long-term deal at some point this summer.

Gray spent his first two college years at Tennessee before transferring to Oklahoma.

In 2022, he rushed for 1,366 yards — averaging 6.4 yards per carry — with 11 touchdowns. 

He also caught 33 passes for 229 yards.

At 5-foot-9 and 207 pounds, Gray is built like a tank with huge thighs, giving him something in common with Barkley. 

Scouts say he has excellent hands and could develop into a three-down back, as he has the strength to be an asset as a pass protector in the backfield.

He does not possess outstanding speed, doing his best work between the tackles.

Catch up with the entire list of Giants picks from the 2023 NFL Draft, including round-by-round analysis.

The Giants this offseason re-signed veteran Matt Breida and also have Gary Brightwell returning on the roster.

Coach Brian Daboll wants versatility from his players at the skill positions on offense and Gray brings that to the field.