Antone Smith

Versatile Falcons running back Antone Smith is on the Giants radar.

(William Perlman | NJ Advance Media)

General manager Jerry Reese made it clear at the NFL Scouting Combine. The Giants needed to find a shifty, versatile running back to complement their current backfield of Rashad Jennings and Andre Williams.

It appears they may not wait until the NFL Draft in April/May to fill the void. The Giants are currently looking at running backs with pass-catching ability during the three-day negotiating window, multiple people with knowledge of the running back market told NJ Advance Media. The individuals requested anonymity because teams can not officially sign players until Tuesday.

Among those they have inquired about are Redskins running back Roy Helu and the Falcons' Antone Smith.

Helu, 26, has 129 receptions in four seasons with the Redskins. He's averaged 4.4 yards per carry as well, including 5.4 yards in 2014.

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Washington used Helu as a change-of-pace option for Alfred Morris the past few seasons. While not the explosive playmaker the Giants were hoping to get when they drafted Wilson in the first round out of Virginia Tech in 2012, Helu does bring versatility to the table.

"[Wilson] is a little different. We have some big bangers. David was a fast, quick guy who could catch the ball out of the backfield and return kicks," Reese said the the Combine. "When you lose that dynamic type player, It stings a little bit, but it is football and we will try to replace that position."

Smith, 29, brings that big-play ability the Giants were hoping to have with Wilson. He had five touchdowns on 36 touches this past season, including a 74-yard touchdown reception against the Giants in a Week 5 loss.

The draft is flush with versatile mid-to-late round options as well, but the Giants likely would be inclined to fill the position in free agency so they don't pigeon-hole themselves in the draft. They could also still add a running back in the draft.

Jordan Raanan may be reached at jraanan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JordanRaanan. Find NJ.com Giants on Facebook.