If there’s a silver lining in this otherwise disappointing season for the New York Giants it’s their recent draft class.
General manager Joe Schoen has taken a lot of heat for the manner in which he’s handled personnel in his three seasons here but one has to give him a pat on the back for his recent performance at the draft table.
The Giants added a top wide receiver in Malik Nabers, talented and productive defensive backs in Tyler Nubin and Andru Phillips, a potential star at tight end in Theo Johnson, and a future special teams leader in linebacker Darius Muasau.
But the prize of this draft might be their fifth-round running back Tyrone Tracy Jr., who was recently cited by ESPN’s Jordan Reid as a late-rounder who has overperformed this season.
It’s rare to see fifth-round rookies step into a pivotal role, but Tracy has done just that with 545 rushing yards and three touchdowns this season. A former receiver turned running back at Iowa and Purdue, Tracy’s versatility has shone through as a runner and pass catcher.
He was slated as a backup to Devin Singletary, but his role has continued to increase after breaking out with 129 rushing yards in Week 6. Tracy, who went No. 166 in the draft, is one of the few bright spots on the New York offense.
Tracy hasn’t taken the full sting out of the loss of Saquon Barkley to the rival Philadelphia Eagles this past offseason but he’s certainly helped.
His fumble that cost the Giants dearly in their recent loss to the Carolina Panthers in Germany brought out the type of person he is. Tracy owned up to the mistake and is moving on.
The Giants hope Tracy continues to progress into the player they need him to be.
