As the start of training camp quickly approaches for the New York Giants, there are some high expectations surrounding one of their players, not named Abdul Carter or Jaxson Dart
That player is running back Tyrone Tracy Jr.
Tracy got Giants fans to forget about Saquon Barkley for the most part last season after seemingly coming out of nowhere during his first season. New York drafted him in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
After starting running back Devin Singletary got injured early in the season, Tracy would take his job and not give it back.
He rushed for 839 yards and five touchdowns, including nearly 130 yards on 18 carries in the Giants’ Week 5 game against the Seattle Seahawks, and 145 yards on 20 carries with a touchdown in their Week 8 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite the Giants selecting versatile running back Cam Skattebo in the fourth round of this past NFL Draft, Tracy is still projected to be heading toward a big sophomore season.
Tyrone Tracy poised for breakout 2025 season
In an article for NFL.com, Bucky Brooks highlights Tracy as a player to be part of the 2025 NFL All-Breakout Team, citing the potential of an elevated Giants offense led by Russell Wilson:
"The improved passing game will lead to more light boxes (six or fewer defenders) and wider lanes for the former college wide receiver to scoot through on off-tackle runs and designed cut-back plays," Brooks wrote. "With Wilson also expected to target Tracy frequently on swing, screen and option routes in the pass game, the Giants’ unheralded RB1 could put up massive scrimmage yard totals as a multi-purpose threat from the backfield.
While Tracy certainly generated a ton of excitement as a rookie during what was a disastrous season, where does this breakout prediction leave the aforementioned Skattebo?
Many viewed Skattebo as one of the steals of the draft after putting together a phenomenal collegiate season for Arizona State in 2024. The 23-year-old rushed for over 1,700 yards and 21 touchdowns while averaging nearly six yards per carry. He also recorded a career-high 605 receiving yards with three touchdowns through the air.
The Giants will have plenty of options at running back, with Tracy more than likely assuming duties as the No. 1 back. Despite being viewed as a potential breakout player this year, Skattebo’s ascension can’t be ignored, which is why the prediction of a huge season for Tracy in 2025 should be put on pause until we see how he, Skattebo, and the rest of the offense operate once training camp begins.