Four New York Giants veterans could lose their jobs to a rookie
April 25, 2024; Detroit, MI, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Malik Nabers poses with his jersey after being selected as the eighth choice by the New York Giants in the 2024 NFL Draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.
While the New York Giants’ centennial season is quickly approaching, the squad will feature several new faces and a distinct look this year. Throughout the offseason, Big Blue was active in free agency and the NFL Draft, filling multiple positional needs.
General manager Joe Schoen and the New York Giants’ front office improved tremendously in many areas, including defense, with the signing of veteran pass-rusher Brian Burns. The Giants also improved their offensive line, which was an issue last season, but the rookie class sticks out the most heading into the summer and fall.
The Giants recruited six new players to this year’s NFL Draft class, all of whom show promise and have the ability to flourish immediately in New York. Let’s look at four rookies who could replace these veterans and take their jobs in 2024:
4. Tyrone Tracy Jr. replaces Gunner Olszewski.
It will take several guys to replace Pro Bowl running back Saquon Barkley, who signed with the NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles in free agency. The Giants signed veteran running back Devin Singletary to replace Barkley and lead the backfield, but they also acquired depth in the NFL Draft with fifth-round pick Tyrone Tracy Jr. from Purdue.
While many Big Blue supporters believe Tracy is the sleeper of this year’s NFL Draft, he is not yet ready to replace Singletary as New York’s starter. The Giants rookie spent four seasons as a wide receiver for the Iowa Hawkeyes before transferring to Purdue and playing running back for the last two years. Tracy quickly established himself as one of the conference’s top running backs, considerably improving his draft prospects. Tracy led the Big Ten in yards per carry (6.3) last season and scored eight rushing touchdowns.
The Giants’ fifth-round choice has surely had a unique journey to the NFL. Still, his versatility as a wide receiver, running back, and returner makes him an asset to the team in his rookie season. Tracy will likely return in 2024, possibly alongside Gunner Olszewski. Tracy returned 16 kicks for 408 yards and a touchdown last season for the Boilermakers.
His special teams experience makes him a strong match in New York, and he may potentially start on offense in the future. Keep in mind that Olszewski limped off the field in frustration during OTAs. We can only hope it isn’t a catastrophic injury, but Tracy may fill in if he loses any time.
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