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New York Giants training camp officially opened to rookies on July 15, with the entire team expected on the 22nd. With that quickly approaching, we are continuing our unit previews before the team hits the practice field next week.
Today, we focus on the running backs, a unit that has been slowly adding versatility and talent over the past two years and is expected to flourish in 2025.
Here's a quick rundown of what to expect at running back.
Mike Kafka (offensive coordinator), Ladell Betts (unit coach)
Giant fans know Betts well as a former opponent. He carried the ball as a running back for the Washington Redskins from 2002-2009. He comes to the Giants after four seasons running the backfield for head coach Kirk Ferentz at his alma mater, Iowa.
Betts is not the only connection to Ferentz on the Giants' staff this season. Ferentz's two sons, James and Steve, are both assistants with Big Blue this year.
Tyrone Tracy Jr.
For those connecting the dots, Tracy did not rush the football very much at Iowa under Betts. He was a wide receiver for the Hawkeyes. It was at his next school, Purdue, where he transitioned to running back. Either way, he and Betts are familiar with one another, which should help make this a smooth transition for both.
Tracy, a fifth-round pick in last year's draft, didn't get off the ground until Week 5 and then started 11 of the Giants' final 12 games. He finished the season with 1,123 yards from scrimmage (839 rushing, 284 receiving), which was fifth among NFL rookies, and scored six total touchdowns.
In the wake of Saquon Barkley's departure, Tracy's breakout helped Giant fans transition to the future.
Devin Singletary, Cam Skattebo (rookie), Eric Gray, Dante Miller, Rushawn Baker
Singletary has always been a productive pro, and he'll certainly get his touches in relief of Tracy this year. Skattebo comes in with a reputation of smashmouth play, but he also has a finesse element to him. Gray and Miller are back to round out the roster depth. Baker, a UDFA out of Elon, is a big back (6-foot-1, 225 pounds) the Giants are taking a flyer on.
There are lots of possibilities here, but expect Tracy to be the lead with Singletary serving as the change-up. The Giants are almost certain to try and find a role for Skattebo, who was well-known by draftniks as a sort of folk hero. The other spot -- or spots -- are wide open and will be settled via camp battles.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants training camp preview: Running backs
Continue reading...
Today, we focus on the running backs, a unit that has been slowly adding versatility and talent over the past two years and is expected to flourish in 2025.
Here's a quick rundown of what to expect at running back.
Coaching staff
Mike Kafka (offensive coordinator), Ladell Betts (unit coach)
Giant fans know Betts well as a former opponent. He carried the ball as a running back for the Washington Redskins from 2002-2009. He comes to the Giants after four seasons running the backfield for head coach Kirk Ferentz at his alma mater, Iowa.
Betts is not the only connection to Ferentz on the Giants' staff this season. Ferentz's two sons, James and Steve, are both assistants with Big Blue this year.
Starter
Tyrone Tracy Jr.
For those connecting the dots, Tracy did not rush the football very much at Iowa under Betts. He was a wide receiver for the Hawkeyes. It was at his next school, Purdue, where he transitioned to running back. Either way, he and Betts are familiar with one another, which should help make this a smooth transition for both.
Tracy, a fifth-round pick in last year's draft, didn't get off the ground until Week 5 and then started 11 of the Giants' final 12 games. He finished the season with 1,123 yards from scrimmage (839 rushing, 284 receiving), which was fifth among NFL rookies, and scored six total touchdowns.
In the wake of Saquon Barkley's departure, Tracy's breakout helped Giant fans transition to the future.
Others
Devin Singletary, Cam Skattebo (rookie), Eric Gray, Dante Miller, Rushawn Baker
Singletary has always been a productive pro, and he'll certainly get his touches in relief of Tracy this year. Skattebo comes in with a reputation of smashmouth play, but he also has a finesse element to him. Gray and Miller are back to round out the roster depth. Baker, a UDFA out of Elon, is a big back (6-foot-1, 225 pounds) the Giants are taking a flyer on.
Outlook
There are lots of possibilities here, but expect Tracy to be the lead with Singletary serving as the change-up. The Giants are almost certain to try and find a role for Skattebo, who was well-known by draftniks as a sort of folk hero. The other spot -- or spots -- are wide open and will be settled via camp battles.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants training camp preview: Running backs
Continue reading...