INDIANAPOLIS -- With the Giants' recent decision to release Ahmad Bradshaw, the future at running back looks pretty clear, with David Wilson ostensibly taking over as the starter.
But Tom Coughlin made it clear on Friday at the 2013 NFL Combine that the gig wouldn't just be handed to Wilson and that he planned to have guys compete to start, including Andre Brown.
"David Wilson, Andre Brown, Da'Rel Scott … there are a few guys who will compete for that job," Coughlin said.
Wilson's the logical "starter" as it were, because of his skillset, the talent he flashed in 2012 and his status as a first-round pick for the Giants last year.
But he's got a history of fumbling, and Coughlin doesn't just dislike fumblers, he detests them. Wilson found that out first hand when he coughed the ball up early last year against the Cowboys and got stuck in Coughlin's doghouse for a while.
He obviously worked his way out, and he's in line to take the majority of carries for New York in 2013 should he continue to earn Coughlin's trust.
But I wouldn't write off what Coughlin said as generic coach-speak regarding competition. Brown was a beast for the Giants when Bradshaw was injured last year and represents not just good value but a guy who can carry the rock regularly and, in case you care about which running back is scoring touchdowns, dominate on the goal line.
Seeing anyone other than Wilson earn the title of "starter" would be a surprise, but writing off Brown as a guy who could land substantial carries would be foolish.
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