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Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

After first week of New York Giants OTAs, three underdogs to make the active roster emerging at practice

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Travis May | Last updated 5/27/24

The New York Giants have wrapped up both rookie minicamp and their first week of official organized team activities (OTAs). The new rookies, free agent signings, and returning talents have all begun to gel together. General manager Joe Schoen, coach Brian Daboll, and his staff have gotten an up close look at the vast majority of the roster already. So, what's next?

Over the course of the next three weeks the Giants still have ten more days of OTAs and Mandatory Minicamp, picking things back up the Tuesday after Memorial Day Weekend. But what underdogs to make the active roster are already emerging at practice? Three names stood out last week and should continue to do so here soon.

Tyrone Tracy Jr., Running Back

Pick 166 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, Tyrone Tracy Jr. was a long shot to get drafted for a good portion of his college career before changing positions from wide receiver to running back. Thank goodness he finally did because he looks incredible for the Giants already. And it shouldn't surprise anyone given that he added nearly 4.5 yards after contact last fall racking up about 50% of his production on explosive runs of over 15 yards.

Multiple analysts who cover the Giants and the NFC East can't stop raving saying things like: "He is an incredible athlete who is a threat to score on any play." Others are calling him the "most explosive running back" on the Giants' roster already too as you can see mentioned in the Gridiron Media post below.

The 33rd team had high praise for Giants RB Tyrone Tracy:

"He is the most explosive running back on the roster and could have a Tony Pollard-like impact on the Giants in Year 1." pic.twitter.com/sdHnNszw07
— Gridiron Media (@Gridiron_Media_) May 24, 2024

Even if Tyrone Tracy Jr. isn't given significant snaps at running back right away he should bring immense value as a return weapon. Last fall he averaged almost 25 yards per kick return and scored a touchdown. In this new era of kickoff rules, finding an explosive player who can add value there will be hugely important. Tracy might be that asset for the Giants immediately.

Theo Johnson, Tight End

The Giants still technically have Darren Waller as their starter at tight end as of this writing, although his retirement is still looming. In fact, Waller wasn't present at all for OTAs last week, adding to the continual speculation that he is indeed leaning towards retirement.

Theo Johnson very well might end up being an incredibly important piece to the Giants' offense in year one if Darren Waller retires. And even if he doesn't, Johnson's off to a hot enough start already to suggest he might produce anyway. He didn't seem to struggle at all plugging in catching the ball in zones and pushing downfield as a route runner last week at OTAs.

Theo Johnson finding the hole in the zone to sit in next to Dane Belton #Giants100 #NYGiants

pic.twitter.com/Uyml5p9Rxl
— The Giants Report (@giantsreport1) May 23, 2024

Johnson grabbed four solid receptions in just one of the practice sessions alone, including a long shot down the middle of the field. He caught balls from both Daniel Jones and Drew Lock at practice as he's still been splitting reps with the first and second teams (even without Waller there).

Alex Johnson, Cornerback

As soon as he signed we talked about how Alex Johnson was an obviously impressive undrafted free agent with great potential to stick with the Giants heading into rookie minicamp and OTAs. It's no surprise he already snagged an interception in practice last week, showing his advanced playmaking ability.

Giants UDFA CB Alex Johnson recorded an INT today at OTAs. pic.twitter.com/pWzmUHiCOU
— Gridiron Media (@Gridiron_Media_) May 20, 2024

Johnson had a rather short stint of meaningful production in his five seasons for UCLA, but his final season was just phenomenal. 54% completion rate allowed when targeted. Passer rating of 40.7 for the quarterbacks who threw the ball his way too. Just an unbelievable final year, and it looks like that may have been real.

Be looking for more New York Giants coverage here at A to Z Sports all year long! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!

And if you want to watch some Tyrone Tracy Jr. highlights to see how he could produce right away for the Giants as a rookie you can check out the video below!