In a season full of offensive misery, Tyrone Tracy Jr. was the rare bright spot for the New York Giants. As a fifth-round rookie thrust into an impossible post-Saquon Barkley situation, Tracy stepped up in a big way.
He posted 839 rushing yards, 284 receiving yards, and six total touchdowns—all while earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team and outplaying his draft slot in just about every way.
But life comes at you fast. And the G-Men aren’t exactly sitting around waiting for Tracy to become their saving grace. Over the past few weeks, Big Blue has kicked the tires on almost every notable back in this draft class. Omarion Hampton. Kaleb Johnson. Quinshon Judkins. Ollie Gordon II. Kyle Monangai. The list of official Top 30 visits is starting to feel like a CVS receipt, and if you’re Tracy Jr., you probably feel like the walls are closing in.
Now, Kansas running back Devin Neal is being linked to New York. No visit, and not as a premium pick, but as a high-upside Day 3 option who could add even more juice to the backfield.
Devin Neal listed as Giants' best Day 3 draft fit
Pro Football Focus analyst Mason Cameron recently pegged Devin Neal as the Giants’ best Day 3 fit, writing:
“Even with Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary in the fold, the Giants’ backfield is far from solidified, evidenced by the unit’s 30th-ranked PFF rushing grade (66.9) in 2024. New York deployed gap runs at the fourth-highest in the NFL last season, making Neal a natural fit after he earned an 86.9 PFF rushing grade on the concept in 2024.”
That’s a pretty glowing endorsement, and honestly, it tracks. Neal rushed for 1,266 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2024 while averaging nearly six yards per carry. He finished his career as Kansas’ all-time leader in rushing yards (4,343), rushing touchdowns (49), and 100-yard games. He also became the first player in school history to record three 1,000-yard seasons.
Neal isn’t a bruiser (5-foot-11, 215 pounds), but he’s smooth. He cuts effortlessly, plays with excellent vision, and thrives in zone and gap schemes. He’s not someone who’ll push the pile at the goal line, but he’ll make a linebacker miss and pick up 15. The Giants didn’t have enough of that last season.
While Singletary struggled and Eric Gray barely got on the field, Tracy held down the RB1 job. But even then, he didn’t crack 1,000 yards rushing, and the overall run game was among the worst in football. That opens the door for the 21-year-old—not just to make the roster, but to carve out a legitimate role.
If Big Blue walks away from this draft without taking a top-end back, don’t be shocked if Neal ends up wearing blue as a potential Day 3 addition. He fits the scheme, the need, and the timeline. Tracy might still be the starter—but Neal would be right there behind him, waiting for his time.