It was no surprise that the Giants were interested in taking a running back on Day 3 of the NFL Draft.
It might have been a bit surprising, though, that they waited until the fifth round on Saturday to take Tyrone Tracy Jr. from Purdue.
One year ago, the Giants selected a running back in the fifth round but Eric Gray did not do much of anything as a rookie in 2023.
The Giants hope Tracy can be more productive in his first year.
This, of course, cannot be viewed as the replacement for Saquon Barkley, who after six years with the Giants could not agree to a new deal and ended up signing with the rival Eagles.
Tracy is a converted wide receiver, having played that position four years at Iowa.
He transferred to Purdue and became a running back in his two remaining years in college.
After six years in school, Tracy, 24, is an older prospect.
He turns 25 on Nov. 23.
The upside with this is because he spent so much time as a receiver he does not have much wear and tear on his body.
racy in 2023 ran for 716 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 6.3 yards per attempt.
He averaged 25.5 yards on 16 kickoff returns last season.
Given the NFL rule changes put in place to promote more returns, special teams could be a pathway for Tracy to see the field.
The Giants after Barkley’s departure signed veteran Devin Singletary to move in as a starter.
They have Gray, Gary Brightwell and Jashaun Corbin on the roster at running back.
Now Tracy is added to the mix.