Unlocking The Next Level: A Young Running Backs Growth Plan for 2025

Tyrone Tracy Jr. did not have the easiest start to his NFL career. Last season, he was drafted to be a New York Giant. That being said, he did his best to make things happen on the field for the team. He was right alongside players trying to make the plays. There will be a few harsh moments as a rookie, but as the season went on, things got better, and he became a rising star. Tracy was a player who was talked about a lot among the Giants fanbase and the league altogether. However, Pro Football Focus rated this running back as low with a grade of 40.9. This means that, during his sophomore year, there will be room for improvement. 

It was initially disappointing for him to see this score. He had several unforgettable moments last season. Tracy appeared in all 17 games last season with 12 starts as a rookie. This running back rushed 192 times for 839 yards, averaging just over four yards per carry. Tracy also scored five touchdowns for the Giants despite how much of a struggle they were in last season. If it was not Tracy scoring, it was Malik Nabers. 

The Giants' offensive line was one of the most significant issues contributing to Tracy's low grade. The offensive line ranked 20th in running back yards before contact per rush. It has been suggested that Tracy got a low rating only because of how much the offensive line struggled last season. The Giants could not get the ball where it needed to be. They also did not have players in the same spot as they should have been week after week; interchanging quarterbacks, injuries all over the place, and many areas contributed to how he fell down the chart. However, for this coming season, Tracy has several areas that can be improved. 

It starts with pass protection. Tracy often showed effort when it came to blocking assignments. He occasionally got beaten on the blitz pickups, which put his quarterback at risk. Tracy can work on his lower body strength, hand placement, and recognize blitzes coming his way. Earning trust in pass protection will help keep him on the field this coming season. 

Tracy caught 38 passes in his rookie year, making him look solid in his position. However, there was some hesitation on routes where he dropped the ball. This young RB can find his way back, sharpening the route that he is running and the way he catches the ball. He has all the potential to be a dual-threat weapon for the Giants. It would be the biggest thing that would help him raise his numbers to be higher on the Pro Football Focus List. This was his most significant issue. 

Lastly, Tracy can improve his red zone efficiency for this season. He showed bursts at times in the open field, but he was much less effective in the red zone. Tracy needs to learn how to power through and read the leverage in tight spaces. Touchdowns matter, and hand in hand, so do wins. He needs to be the go-to guy near the goal line to become better in year two. It will boost his value as the type of player that he is. 

If Tracy can pull off all these fixes, he will undoubtedly be placed higher on the list. This young RB can be a 1,200+ yard, and 8-10 touchdown contributor. He’s learning more in the Giants’ offense, with more on youth and explosiveness. All areas of what the Giants are looking for from him. He needs to put his mind to it; year two will be much better for him.