Now that Ahmad Bradshaw is no longer a New York Giant, how high would you rank David Wilson for 2013?
- !
- Michael Fabiano NFL.com Fantasy Editor
Wilson has sleeper appeal
Wilson now has sleeper written all over him, as the release of Bradshaw will open the door for him to see a ton of chances out of the Giants backfield next season. With that said, keep in mind that Wilson must get better at pass protection before he earns a true featured role. What's more, the G-Men are likely to bring back Andre Brown -- he was impressive at times in 2012 and could turn into the team's short-yardage and goal-line runner. If I was drafting a fantasy team right now, Wilson would be a fourth- or fifth-rounder as a No. 2 fantasy running back with upside. I have him ranked at No. 18 at his position on NFL.com.
- !
- Marcas Grant NFL.com Fantasy Editor
Don't overvalue Wilson
Similar to my colleague Adam Rank, aka the "Fantasy Chicken," I'm the fantasy skeptic. The idea that David Wilson is likely to take over for Ahmad Bradshaw in the Giants backfield is immediately intriguing. But then I remember the rookie being buried in Tom Coughlin's doghouse after a fumble and struggling to stay on the field consistently because of his problems as a pass protector. He certainly has upside -- he showed it late in the season. Yet, he'll also contend with Andre Brown for touches, especially near the goal-line. He has potential, but don't be fooled by a potential starting spot. For now he's a flex option who should probably come off the board in the fifth round.
- !
- Jason Smith NFL.com Fantasy Analyst
He's a playmaker, but temper expectations
On the surface, it looks like Andre Brown will inherit Ahmad Bradshaw's role and David Wilson will split time with him, but I think it's going to wind up much differently. So who's Wilson? Is he Darren Sproles, Reggie Bush or Jamaal Charles? How about a combination of the three, sort of. He won't see any games where he's over 20 rushes, but can he get 20 touches regularly? Sure. He'll catch more passes than he did his rookie season, and let's not forget -- once the light went on for him three-quarters of the way through 2012, he was the Giants most dangerous offensive player, bar none. So where do you take him? He's one of those players who fantasy owners will daydream over, thinking about his huge game against the Saints and big-play ability overall. On my board, I'll most likely have him as a fourth-rounder. If I can get him after I draft my first two RBs and No. 1 WR, and I can play Wilson in my flex? I'll do backflips. If he's my No. 2, I'm still happy but not as much.
David Wilson currently sits at No. 16 in my way-too-soon player rankings after the release of Ahmad Bradshaw. He was on my radar last year, but an early fumble buried him way down on the Giants depth chart, especially when Andre Brown took advantage of his opportunity. When Wilson did get an opportunity, he was fantastic, as he averaged 5 yards per attempt. My early projection is for Wilson to be the starter and Brown to be the short-yardage back, in an ideal world. And I wouldn't even rule out the Giants adding another back in the draft. Even in a crowded backfield, Wilson is a guy I would target as a RB2 and will look for him in the fourth round.
I would consider David Wilson a seventh- or eighth-round pick in your fantasy draft, at the highest. This is a truly explosive player who has proven just that -- the ability to be explosive. That's it. Wilson is a young player who has already had one or two stints in Tom Coughlin's doghouse. There is no guarantee he will get serious carries in an offense that features talent outside. Now, if you wait too long, he'll be gone. Most fantasy leagues require two starters at RB, so owners will be craving the position. Essentially, Wilson is a guy you might have to move on quicker than you'd anticipate. Lastly, if you're in a league with return points, seventh is too late.
