As the New York Giants will look to replace the production that Saquon Barkley brought, fifth-round draft pick running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. could provide a high impact with his versatility in 2024 and beyond.
In his first four years of college play, Tracy was a wide receiver, with only occasional carries under his belt. In 2023, his final season of college, he transitioned to becoming a full-time running back while with the Purdue Boilermakers, where he would find lots of success. He logged eight touchdowns on 113 carries and had 848 total yards from scrimmage (716 rushing yards).
The Giants lack depth at both the running back and wide receiver positions
Barkley’s departure in free agency has left the Giants with little running back depth. They signed veteran Devin Singletary at the start of free agency back in March, and while he is expected to be the top running back on the depth chart, Tracy could still have an impact on the Giants early into next season thanks to his dynamic abilities as a rusher and a receiver.
“While Tracy isn’t ready to be a full-time running back (146 career carries in college), he is an incredible athlete who is a threat to score on any play,” said The 33rd Team’s Marcus Mosher (h/t Giants.com). “He posted a 9.78 RAS score, which ranks 42nd all-time (out of 1,903 running backs) after posting a 40-inch vertical jump at 209 pounds. Only Singletary is ahead of him on the depth chart, so Tracy should find a role right away.”
The Giants bolstered their wide receiver by drafting LSU standout Malik Nabers in the first round, though they still lack additional playmaking in that department. Tracy’s quickness and good hands could make him a factor into the Giants’ passing game, especially in situations where they need short gains to move the chains. Tracy can also be used as a third-down running back for smaller gains to get first downs.
Tyrone Tracy could help boost what was a bad Giants offense last season
In 2023, the Giants ranked towards the bottom of the league in several offensive categories, including 31st in passing yards, 30th in first downs, 25th in rushing touchdowns, and 30th in yards per play.
Therefore, Tracy could provide an immediate spark to a Giants offense that has desperately been searching for one. It is not likely that he will be immediately given a large role in head coach Brian Daboll’s system at the start of the season, but if he continues to positively develop, he could become a solid dual-threat option at the running back for the Giants in 2024 and the years to come.