David Wilson isn’t playing much at all as a rookie, as the first-round pick from Virginia Tech has only 18 rushing attempts in the first 10 games. First-year running backs can get on the field fairly quickly – see Doug Martin for the Buccaneers – but Wilson hasn’t been able to convince the Giants’ coaching staff that he is trustworthy enough to put on the field.
“David has to learn you can’t be just a runner, that’s not what we do, you have to be a complete running back, you have to be knowledgeable, you have to be smart, you can’t just accept your mistakes,’’ running backs coach Jerald Ingram said on Monday.
Ingram cited Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw as running backs who sat on the bench until they learned the lessons that Wilson is struggling to master. Pass protection and blocking assignments are essential skills for a running back in the Giants system and until Wilson gets them he’ll continue to sit.
Even though he’s a first-round pick.
“Just because you’re a first-round draft pick doesn’t mean you’re ready to play or they all would be great,’’ Ingram said.
“It’s about winning games, it’s not a popularity contest. It’s time for you to grow up and be a man now and see what you can do with the whole ball of wax. Until he proves that it’s hard to stick him out there and feel comfortable.’’
The Giants were attracted to the diminutive Wilson for his great speed and playmaking ability with the ball in his hands. “Yeah, he is explosive, but at what cost is he explosive?’’ Ingram asked. “Is he explosive at the cost of not being able to protect well, not being able to know his job well, not being a pro? ‘’