Unexpected name tapped as 2025 breakout player for New York Giants

Bryan Perez

Unexpected name tapped as 2025 breakout player for New York Giants image

When the New York Giants selected running back Cam Skattebo in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, speculation about Tyrone Tracy's role as the team's lead RB began.

Tracy, a fifth-round pick in 2024, had an admirable rookie season last year. The converted wide receiver rushed for 839 yards and five touchdowns despite beginning his career behind veteran Devin Singletary on the depth chart.

Tracy's breakout year seemed to solidify his standing as New York's running back of the future, but Skattebo's explosive ability as a three-down player has clouded that projection.

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But not all hope is lost for Tracy, who, in a recent projection of every NFL team's breakout player in 2025, was the choice for Big Blue.

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

Perhaps fans and analysts are jumping the gun on Skattebo's potential impact in 2025. He is a rookie after all, and while his production at Arizona State -- especially in the College Football Playoffs -- was remarkable, he still has to prove that he can have the same success against NFL defenses.

Tracy, meanwhile, has proven he can. And if he has a strong start to training camp, it may be a while before Skattebo gets his chance to be a feature back.

While I believe the odds are stacked against Tyrone Tracy holding off Cam Skattebo all year, there's still a big opportunity for him to prove he needs his touches, in whatever capacity they might come.

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Bryan Perez

Bryan Perez founded and has operated Bears Talk since 2021. Prior to that, he covered the Bears for USA Today’s Bears Wire and NBC Sports Chicago. In addition to his Chicago Bears coverage, Perez is a respected member of NFL Draft media and was a past winner of The Huddle's Mock Draft competition. Bryan's past life includes time as a Northeast scout for the CFL's Ottawa Redblacks.