New York Giants ranked among teams with potential shakeup at running back in 2025

New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy had a surprisingly productive rookie season in 2024. The former Purdue receiver-turned-running back joined Big Blue as a fifth-round pick and rewarded GM Joe Schoen by running for 839 yards and five touchdowns with an impressive 4.4 yards per carry.

But life happens fast in the NFL. And even for a player like Tracy, who seemed to end last season with a stranglehold on the starting running back role, the 2025 NFL Draft brought unexpected competition: fourth-round pick Cam Skattebo.

The former Arizona State star was the star of the College Football Playoffs. His do-it-all skill set and his never-say-die running style thrust him into the early-round NFL draft conversation.

However, questions about his lacking third-level speed caused him to fall to the Giants on Day 3 of the 2025 draft, and now he'll square off against Tracy for the right to be the RB-next in New York.

According to The Athletic, the Giants could be facing a backfield shakeup in 2025.

"Don’t let your excitement of late-round/waiver-wire value cloud the truth of who Tracy is for a backfield — an explosive complementary piece," The Athletic's Jake Ciely wrote. "Cam Skattebo is a lead back. He’s also dangerous in the passing game. While Tracy was quite good in his opportunity as the lead, Skattebo is primed to be the top Giants running back." 

It's hard to disagree. From a pure talent standpoint, Skattebo is the superior running back. But Tracy proved on an NFL field that he can be an effective starter, although it's possible the Giants will want to move on to a next-gen starter in the aftermath of 2024's decision to move on from Saquon Barkley.

It's always easier to be the guy after the guy who replaces a team favorite. When it comes to the Giants' backfield, Skattebo offers another degree of separation from Barkley, as unfair as that may be to Tracy.

But beyond the psychology of the switch is the actual on-field results. Skattebo is an equal parts banger on early downs and pass-catcher on third down, something Tracy is less likely to be. Sure, Tracy has more juice and is a better natural receiver than Skattebo, but it's not by much. 

As a result, Skattebo should become the New York Giants' RB1 at some point early in the season, potentially as soon as Week 1.

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