The New York Giants have big plans for second-year running back Tyrone Tracy.
Alongside rookie Cam Skattebo, Tracy figures to play a marquee role in a ground attack that will likely benefit from quarterback Russell Wilson‘s propensity for stretching the field vertically and the attention defenses must pay deep-threat Malik Nabers.
With that backdrop, former NFL scout and current NFL Media analyst Bucky Brooks lists Tracy as the running back on his all-breakout team for the upcoming 2025 season.
“After rushing for 839 yards as a rookie,” Brooks writes of Tracy. “The fifth-round running back has an opportunity to surpass the 1,200-yard mark in an offense that features more efficient quarterback play with veteran leader Russell Wilson set to take over from Daniel Jones. 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.
“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.”
Brooks projects a significant production jump for Tracy, and the former Purdue standout’s prowess in the passing game could make him an integral piece in the Giants’ offense.
Aided by upgraded quarterback play, and an offensive line largely with a second year of continuity as a unit, Tracy could be a breakout star in the making for the Giants and key cog in New York’s offense.
New York Giants’ Offensive Line Still a Weak Link
Al Bello | Getty ImagesThe New York Giants’ offensive line may need to dramatically improve if running back Tyrone Tracy is going to break out in 2025.
If Tracy is going to live up to his breakout-billing this fall, the 25-year-old running back may need to overcome one of the league’s most porous offensive lines.
Pro Football Focus analyst Zoltán Buday ranks the Giants’ offensive line No. 28th overall in the league, with the caveat that this group might even deserve to be ranked even lower.
“The only thing keeping the Giants’ offensive line from sinking further down this list,” Buday writes for PFF. “Is left tackle Andrew Thomas, who ranked third among offensive tackles in 2022 with a 90.3 PFF overall grade and has posted 75.0-plus marks in each of the past four years. However, the former Georgia player logged fewer than 1,000 snaps over the past two seasons. If he cannot stay on the field in 2025, New York might end up with the worst offensive line in the league.”
Last season, Tracy averaged just 2.84 yards after contact per carry but forced 34 missed tackles, as PFF points out.
For Tracy, 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, to take the next step in 2025, he may need to lean on his elusiveness. Especially if the Giants’ offensive line doesn’t improve and former first-round pick Evan Neal doesn’t find his footing and live up to his first-round billing at offensive guard.
Tyrone Tracy’s Big Goals for 2025 Season
Steph Chambers | GettyNew York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy believes he can post one of the most prolific seasons in franchise history.
Turns out, perhaps Brooks’ 1,200-yard projection for Tracy may even be selling the second-year running back short, at least in Tracy’s eyes.
Tracy recently revealed that his goal is to be a dominant force in the Giants’ offense, and sights set on one of the most prolific seasons in franchise history.
“Dominate,” Tracy recently told NFL Media. “I think that the best thing that I can do is dominate where I was last year and then, shoot, try to multiply that this year. Last year, I had 800 [rushing yards]. This year, I need to go for [1,500 yards]. . . . Wherever I was last year was last year. It don’t matter. It’s a new year.”
If Tracy is able to live up to his own expectations, a 1,500-yard season would be good enough for the fifth-most rushing yards by a Giants running back in a single season.
After averaging 4.4 yards per carry while breaking off 18 explosive runs of 10 yards or more, it’s easy to see where Tracy’s optimism stems from ahead of his second season.
There is little doubt that Tracy will take on an expanded role, his success could hinge on the offensive line’s ability to create running lanes and Wilson and the passing game stretching the field to create some home run opportunities on the ground.
If all of those things play out, Tracy and New York’s offense could wind up making major strides.
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