Will Giants' Tyrone Tracy Jr. Break Out in 2025?

New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen was almost right.

It's hard to grant the Giants a victory for how the Saquon Barkley decision went down. With the Philadelphia Eagles, he amassed over 2,000 yards and won a Super Bowl, trampling his former team in the process. But Schoen wanted to get starter-level production from a younger, cheaper back than Barkley. In Round 5 of the 2024 NFL Draft, he found his answer.

Running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. got a late start behind Devin Singletary but was among New York’s strong rookie class, taking the veteran’s job by midseason and racing away with the opportunity.

He’ll start in 2025, armed with fourth-round rookie Cam Skattebo as a stylistic complement.

The Giants’ second-year starter was named a breakout candidate by Yardbarker as he looks to entrench himself in his role.

“New York's starting quarterback is unclear this season, but Tracy should see most of the work at running back,” Seth Trachtman wrote. “The dynamic second-year player had over 1,100 yards from scrimmage last season and has more ability.”

Tracy ran 192 times for 839 yards and five scores in 2024. In the passing game, he generated an additional 284 yards and one touchdown. He and receiver Malik Nabers became the third pair of rookies to each cross 1,000 yards from scrimmage.

Skattebo figures to take some of his third-down work away, given his competency as a pass-catcher and strength as a pass protector. Tracy, though, is a former college receiver and offers more big-play potential due to his elite athleticism.

Tracy has earned the right to start, and barring excellence from Skattebo, his job is likely safe. Still, there is work to be done. His instincts looked better inside than most anticipated, but he was less effective rushing outside the tackles. He must take a step forward on passing downs, too, to truly hold off Skattebo.

With that said, Tracy is one of New York’s promising young talents and a solid reason for optimism heading into 2025.