The future of the New York Giants will be decided in April, where the chance to finally draft a first-round rookie quarterback will be on the table.
Picking third ensures that a passer is guaranteed. But if either the Tennessee Titans or Cleveland Browns opt for a non-quarterback, New York will almost certainly find itself with a new face of the franchise.
That conversation largely comes down to Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Miami’s Cam Ward, dividing the fanbase and (potentially) those tasked with choosing between them.
Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. revealed his bold preference for New York’s plans, opting for the Heisman finalist.
"Who do I think? I mean, to be honest with you, I'm a fan of Cam Ward," Tracy told the New York Post. "I think that the passing and the running, I think that's where the league is shifting to. Just off of [head coach Brian Daboll], his offense. We have a whole bunch of QB runs. We have a whole bunch of situations where the QB has to run. Not saying other quarterbacks in the draft can't run. I just know Cam Ward is the best. Off of film and stuff like that.”
While the consensus has not anointed a true QB1, Ward is viewed to have a higher ceiling due to his incredible arm talent and above-average mobility. Sanders, meanwhile, is a safer bet to start right away and commit fewer turnovers in the process.
To some, it’s a philosophical shift for what it means to be a star quarterback. Others aren’t convinced both are necessarily first-round passers.
"He's my favorite,” Tracy said. “This is opinionated. But at the same time, whoever they choose to pick – obviously, my opinion holds zero weight. I do want to put that out there. My opinion holds zero weight."
Tracy’s right – general manager Joe Schoen isn’t inviting him to the war room anytime soon. But in the wake of running back Saquon Barkley’s departure, Tracy’s admirable rookie campaign has earned him a spot among the team’s cherished young assets.
Tracy finished his season with 1,123 yards and six touchdowns, joining receiver Malik Nabers as the third rookie duo in league history to surpass 1,000 yards from scrimmage, each.
With further development, Tracy could cement himself as a long-term piece in the backfield and a true building block for the next era of New York football. For now, it’s a matter of time before he learns whether his wish comes true.
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