Big Blue Huddle

https://x.com/talkingiants/status/1785420346864140749?s=46&t=1vcQIN8GqF5J2oLdxEVEJQ

Schoen has clearly indicated that there isn't a quarterback competition.  Yet, you have Garafolo suggesting Lock might be able to compete.  Will Lock be the starter or could there be a QB competition in camp?

https://twitter.com/awthentik/status/1785074659907584277

Now you have this:


Ryan Dunleavy
@rydunleavy
Theres more smoke around Drew Lock being #Giants starting QB over Daniel Jones, after #Seahawks GM Jon Schneider's comments earlier

@MoveTheSticks
podcast: 'I believe Drew Lock has a really good shot of winning that job.'

'They were comparing Daniel Jones and Drew Lock — emphasis on Drew Lock — to the QBs that were going to be there (in the draft) and I think the line for them was Drake Maye.'

This runs VERY contradictory to what Joe Schoen is saying publicly about Daniel Jones. They havent even opened it up to competition yet. But privately?

Remember, Daniel Jeremiah was ahead of the curve on Giants not drafting JJ McCarthy, too

https://x.com/rydunleavy/status/1785357074852970740

Says Nabers is in a class by himself higher than MHJ and Odunze

https://x.com/The33rdTeamFB/status/1785348477892894826

If he is cut or retires, the Giants would free up $6,707,500 in cap space.  That money could be used to add a veteran or two or even just be rolled over to the next season.   

In light of drafting Theo Johnson, is there any reason that the Giants should allow Waller more time to decide if he wants to continue to play football?

I appreciate that many fans want the Giants to add a QB, but that isn't what this poll is about.  This is your biggest (non-QB, if so inclined) area of concern.  Where would you like to see the Giants add more talent?

In the 2022 offseason, most considered Daniel Jones a dead man walking.   

Consider:

1) The Giants passed on exercising DJ's 5th-year option

2) The Giants signed Tyrod Taylor who many fans claimed was as good or better than Jones (he did have a Pro Bowl to his resume)

3) Jones had injury issues and needed to prove he could stay healthy

4) Worst of all, Jones was going to have to prove himself behind a mediocre, at best, O-line with no significant receiving targets.  He would get a bit of a tangential boost from Barkley (who already lost something after his major knee injury)

Everyone was writing Daniel Jones off, there was much talk about the QBs in the draft. Only Daniel Jones decided he wasn't ready to be dead and buried.  He dragged his under-talented team to the playoffs and beat the 13-4 Vikings in the hostile Minnesota stadium.  He earned himself a solid contract.

From Daniel's perspective, this is just deja vue all over again.   I am not suggesting that Jones will stay healthy and knock it out of the park.  I am just suggesting we shouldn't be shocked if Jones plays like a franchise QB and takes the team to the playoffs again while at least staying healthy enough.

I hope Phil still does podcasting, as I think he still has things of value to say


https://x.com/PhilSimmsQB/status/1784943898923524327

McGinn's series with quotes from NFL scouts has always been a favorite of mine.  With so much stuff posted during the draft, these often get buried.   I just finished rereading all of them, and I found them to be enjoyable exercises.

2. MALIK NABERS, Louisiana State (6-0, 199, 4.44, 1): Third-year junior. "He's that all-around, well-polished, freakishly athletic individual," said one scout. "His traits just jump off the tape at you." His pro day workout included a 42-inch vertical jump and 10-9 broad jump. "I absolutely love watching Malik Nabers," a second scout said. "He's not your typical size for an 'X' but he has the speed, the separation, routes and hands. Where he separates himself is run after catch. That's what makes him such an exciting player. CeeDee Lamb is a little bit bigger; Nabers is more sudden and (has) better top-end speed." A third scout graded him on a par with Justin Jefferson, another LSU product. "He's powerful, he's explosive and he can win at every level of route running, which makes him special as a high-floor player," a fourth scout said. "He can run after the catch. He can run intermediate routes. He can track the deep ball." Started 30 of 38 games. Finished with 189 catches for 3,003 (15.9) and 21 TDs. "He's not Harrison," a fifth scout said. "If you see that just ignore it. He's more of the D.J. Moore kind of player. Thick running back build. He's a good player, a really good player. I don't think he has elite ball skills." From Youngsville, La. "He is what he is right now," said a sixth scout. "He's topped out. Against the Alabama corners his production all came against zone coverage over the middle. When he was manned up he struggled. But he has straight dog in him once he catches the ball."

1. TYLER NUBIN, Minnesota (6-1, 205, 4.61, 2-3): High-school corner moved to safety once he reached the Twin Cities. "They played him (in the box) but if you watch him covering on special teams you know he can play in space," one scout said. "He is a special-teams demon. Nubin gives you more than (Kamren) Kinchens because he could be that big nickel. He plays with a physical mindset. He's better than Kinchens in natural tight end matchups in man coverage or as a general slot guy. He's got great ball skills, too. For a guy you don't see going backwards very often he's always around the ball." Ran an unexpectedly slow 40. "That hurt him," a second scout said. "Instincts are his thing. He's quick to trigger. Better in zone than man. Physical around the line of scrimmage. Little tight in his backpedal but uses his size well to play physical and doesn't give up separation much. Struggles to open his hips and change direction, but nothing crazy. Can track (the deep ball). Looks to lay a hit. I think he should have come out last year but I still think he's a pretty good football player. Yes, he'll be a starter. I would say second round but he would have been a first-rounder last year." Just 10 reps on the bench press. "He doesn't have great range but he can do the interchangeable stuff," a third scout said. "He'll be a good teams player. He's had production on the ball." Started 43 of 55 games, finishing with 207 tackles (4 ½ for loss), 13 picks and 24 passes defensed. From St. Charles, Ill.

10. ANDRU PHILLIPS, Kentucky (5-10 ½, 192, 4.48, 3): Fourth-year junior with a 42-inch vertical jump and an 11-3 broad jump. "He's excellent," one scout said. "His movement skills, his toughness, his awareness and production ... to me, this guy's a slam-dunk starter. He can play inside and outside – probably better in the slot. He's so fluid. You'd be good with him as your No. 2 corner moving forward." Started 16 of 38 games over four seasons. "He has a compact build," a second scout said. "More of a nickel. Not the greatest speed. Quicker than he is fast. Kind of a mid-range cover guy than deep." Finished with 82 tackles (three for loss), no picks and 10 passes defensed. "He's a little bit under the radar but a pretty good player," a third scout said. From Mauldin, S.C.

4. THEO JOHNSON, Penn State (6-6, 261, 4.62, 3-4): Helped himself at the combine with a solid 40, a 39 ½-inch vertical jump and a position-best short shuttle of 4.19. "I'd rather take a shot on him than Sanders," one scout said. "He's on the upside. He's got assertiveness with his blocking but he's not consistent with his blocking. He can make hard, adjusting catches but he can't run after the catch. He doesn't make people miss in space." Started 29 of 45 games over four years, finishing with 77 receptions for 938 (12.2) and 12 TDs. "He's a little bit intriguing," said another scout. "He's a big guy. He's fast. He'll give you effort as a blocker. He's much improved in that area. He's got ball skills. He's a really clunky mover, a really unnatural route runner. He's Canadian, so he's raw. I thought he might go back to school. If somebody really wants one they might take him in the third but I don't think he's worth that." From Windsor, Ontario.

12. TYRONE TRACY, Purdue (5-11, 209, 4.48, 4-5): Started 16 of his 38 games as a wide receiver at Iowa from 2018-'21. Had 36 receptions in 2019. Team captain in '21. Transferred to Purdue in 2022 and was a backup wideout before moving to running back last year and flourishing. "Love him," one scout said. "Change of pace guy. Did really well in his first year really playing running back." Posted 113 of his career total of 146 rushes in 2023 when he led the Big Ten in yards per carry (6.4). Finished with 947 (6.5) and 10 TDs to go with 113 receptions. "Kind of new to the position so he's feeling it out," a second scout said. "His vision keeps him alive. Like a No. 3 running back who contributes on special teams. Not a powerful back but he's grown into that body and stays on his feet and fights for extra yardage. Has enough speed to get outside. Struggled in pass pro." His 3-cone time of 6.81 led the position. From Indianapolis.

This is one of the better one-on-one sports interviews I have heard.  You get a real sense of Tracy, the person.

https://x.com/Doug_Analytics/status/1785005287708979604

The ones that interest me from this list

OL Dalton Risner
DL Calais Campbell
CB Stephon Gilmore
CB Adoree' Jackson

https://giantswire.usatoday.com/lists/13-free-agents-new-york-giants-could-sign-following-2024-nfl-draft/?taid=662f9d8dce74510001c1459c&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=trueanthem&utm_source=twitter

Paul Schwartz tends to publish whatever the Giants wish to be published.  So this commentary in his latest article is likely what the Giants wanted Jones to hear (just indirectly) in my opinion.


It does no one any good to sugarcoat any of this. Jones needs to accept what the Giants tried to do on draft night, use it to fuel his comeback. Show some defiance. Outwardly, Jones does not show much of anything. Inwardly, he must do everything in his power to send a message to the Giants that trying to replace him was foolhardy. The deck might be stacked against him but that does not mean he has no shot.

https://x.com/NYPost_Schwartz/status/1784926790361702467

https://x.com/DMRussini/status/1784906596839051381


https://x.com/TomPelissero/status/1784896262384263518

Here is how the offensive roster looks this year vs last year

2024



2023






Objectively, I think that there has been a significant talent upgrade, even if Waller retires, over last season.


By Position:

1)  Quarterback-  a bit less than last season as DJ's injuries may reduce his running ability somewhat.  Lock may be a bit of a downgrade over Taylor, but Lock seems a bit sturdier and is less likely to be injured.

2)  Running Back-  I think this is a wash.  They replaced the lead back model with shadow of his former self, Barkley, being replaced with the three-headed monster of Singletary, Gray, Tracy who are nice complements to each other and should be as productive if not more so than Barkley

3) Wide Receiver-  This is a huge upgrade.  Robinson is a year removed from his ACL, Hyatt has a year under his belt, and the addition of blue-chip prospect Nabers makes this an impressive WR unit compared to last year's unit of Slayton, rookie Hyatt/Campbell, Robinson/Shepard.  There is an improvement of both speed and talent here.

4) Tight End-  Waller never returned to his peak form last season owing to multiple hamstring injuries that started right before the season (plus, he was never a good blocker).  Bellinger seemed to regress somewhat, and Cager didn't bring that much to the field.  Now (assuming Waller retires you have Bellinger and Theo Johnson headlining as two two-way tight ends (my preference) and a more solid depth (at least in terms of blockers) in Manhertz and Stoll, and Cager coming back for another season.

5) O-line-  Last year's line was an utter disaster in so many ways (it improved a bit when Pugh was added midseason).  This year's unit brings plenty of proven NFL veteran linemen.  They may not be elite or good, but they are also not tomato cans (the Daniel Jeremiah term).  Add in a better O-line coach and this could prove to be a serviceable unit rather than the dumpster fire of 2023.

10 minutes of viewing pleasure


https://www.giants.com/video/every-pick-every-highlight-best-of-24-draft-class

From his spread sheet he posted (with has grades and scores)

Malik Nabers

Explosive, explosive, explosive. Can go from slow-playing at the start of his route to top gear in a flash and has the ability to sustain that speed down the field. So effortless off the line, serious acceleration. Bouncy athlete when needing to elevate. Plus wiggle off the line and can get on top of CBs quickly to stack them on vertical routes. Flashed some hand work too. Physicality can get the best of him in press but not a weak player. Works well fighting back to the football/finding it down the field and in the red zone. Natural mover with the ball in his hands. RB vision, plus quickness, and his supercharged burst all indicate him being a YAC weapon in the NFL. Doesn't appear to be elite burner but speed doesn't appear to be an issue whatsoever. My-ball menality in traffic but isn't a huge specimen. Far from small stature-wise though. Route running is good but could improve as he gets more experience running the full route tree. Didn't run a litany of routes in college. Has the athletic chops to be a star in that area eventually. In most classes, he'd be the clear WR1. Game is tailor-made for today's NFL.

Tyler Nubin

Large, lengthy, ballhawking FS prospect. Plenty of experience. Has seen every route concept imaginable, and made a play on many of them. Insane production comes from plus instincts, above-average quickness, and serious range + catch radius as the ball is arriving. Occasional flash against the run, but best deploy as a deep patrol man. Like a sizable net in the back end of a defense. Backpedal can be high, which slows him down a bit when needing to plant and drive. Fast but not a burner and not the most reliable tackler. Stops a lot of throws in his target area because of his positioning and how rapidly he can close a window. Not exceptionally versatile but rocks in his free safety role in coverage.

Andru Phillips

Silky smooth inside-outside CB with plus zone drops and awareness. Mirroring is quite good too when placed in man coverage. Mostly a fluid, calculated mover on the field -- not sudden/frantic -- but when he wants to click and close, it's special. Serious juice in his lower half. Smaller size (but good in the slot) and doesn't have premier length. Doesn't always play the ball naturally when its in his area but didn't see many targets in college. Teams stayed away. Will miss a lot of tackles but is one of the most willing and aggressive run-support CBs in the class. Played a lot at nickel and was rarely afraid to crash inside or throw his body around in hopes of making a shoestring tackle. And there are some impressive wins on the outside on WR screens or outside runs on his film. Speed is good, not amazing but the burst is elite. Capable relatively high floor CB prospect, although the tacklling and ball skills are a bit concerning.

Theo Johnson

Large, thick, highly athletic TE prospect. Good movement skills off the of scrimmage and his measured athleticism almost fully shows up on film. But more of an explosive specimen than a bendy one with plus short-area quickness. Speed in routes is there, and despite his huge frame, he has the springiness to eventually be a quality separator for the position at the next level. Despite his stature, he's oddly not a great blocker, especially for the run but holds his own as an extra blocker in passing situations. Not a make-you-miss type but speed and power through contact are there, and there's plus vision when he gets the ball underneath or on screens. Some easy drops on film but plays to his size in traffic. Will box out and catch away from his body. A bit of an older prospect. May have his best football in front of him because he was far from a focal point of the offense in college.

Tyrone Tracy

Former WR turned RB with incredible burst/bounce to leave defenders whiffing at air. While more of a straight-line burst RB, he has loose hips, so when he jukes it covers plenty of ground. For a player relatively new to the position, his vision between the tackles on zone plays is respectable. Not a ridiculous burner but plenty fast for the position. Exudes elusiveness as a smooth glider in space. Deploys tight spin when faced with defender in the hole and glides off. Shows ability to change speeds to allow blocks to materialize. Impressive contact balance and NFL-caliber frame. At times could hit the hole with a bit more authority. Much older prospect but minimal mileage on his legs. Of course as a former WR he has steady hands but wasn't a big part of the pass game in his final stop in college. While his rawness as a runner pops up occasionally, the upside is through the roof.


Darius Muasau

Shorter, limited length LB who wins with instincts and impressive quicks in the box. Quicker than he is fast. By a long shot. Very useful flipping hips in zone coverage just can't sustain speed to run with TEs in man and will be outphysicaled by most of them because of his size/length deficiency. One of the smartest football IQ LBs in the class. Reacts to PA quickly and will get to his depth in coverage assertively without any hestiation. Minimal hesitation to his game which does lead to missed tackles in space. While block-shedding won't be his speciality in the NFL, he does an admirable job either jolting blockers or avoidin them in the box, especially relative to his smaller stature. Relentless style makes him a decent asset as a blitzer. Ball skills are average at best. But very aware of his surroundings in coverage. Some athletic/size limitations to his game but this is a heady, reasonably twitchy second-level defender with a three-down game.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1O5yo3uN3pCnOPvM9zE4FSONwbIg6i68uJrdD7pb0CXo/edit#gid=324773575

The NFL is all about the matchups and the substitution packages.  The Giants added two players in this draft, which will make it tough for opposing defenses to have the right players on the field.

The first is TE Theo Johnson.  Combine him with TB Bellinger, and opposing DCs will dread seeing the Giants lined up in 12 (two TE) formations.   Opposing defenses will have to decide to go heavy to prevent the Giants from running them over with their two solid-blocking TEs and risk being in a tough spot to defend passes if the Giants put one or both TE out as receivers.   OR  The opposing defense goes lighter to handle the passing threat, which makes it easier for the Giants to power rush with the two extra solid blockers.


The second is RB Tyrone Tracy.  Tracy was a pretty good WR.  When Tracy is in the backfield teams will never know when Tracy could go in motion and split out wide in his old role as a WR, or if the Giants will simply play it straight up with a rush.  Again, it makes it very difficult for DCs to know how to play the GIants when Tracy is in the backfield.

Andru Phillips is a quiet talent in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Kentucky Cornerback is not a common name on mock drafts and likely won't hear his name called until Day 2 or Day 3 but when I saw him move at the combine I knew I needed to investigate the tape. The CB has impressive movement skills instincts and technical savvy. I think this kid has good odds of being a pro for a long time. In this video we watch up with Ladd McConkey and Brock Bowers and grade his performance against the Georgia Bulldogs offense! #nfl #nfldraft #nfldraft

Jordan Raanan
@JordanRaanan
GM Joe Schoen reinforces after the draft that he said following the season that Daniel Jones was going to be the starter at QB for the Giants this season.

Schoen: "That's where we are. That's what we're going to move forward with this season. Daniel is still under contract  for three more years.

"As it sits today, that's where we are."
4:50 PM · Apr 27, 2024
·
56.3K
 Views

https://x.com/SNYGiants/status/1784324527742177766

I am not asking for your favorite or most impactful (although you can factor that into your vote).  The question is which pick had the most value?

Rate the draft. Bonus points for posting why you rated the draft as you did.

Guest may vote

https://x.com/rydunleavy/status/1784318517816267041

Ryan Dunleavy
@rydunleavy
·
22s
#Giants draft is over. 3 surprises.

1. No QB (I think that's the right call after RD1)
2. Joe Schoen didn't move around the board at all. That's a big departure from the last 2 years.
3. No OL/DL. Another big departure.

NFl.com

By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Draft Projection
Round 6
Overview
Linebacker with muscular build and an unrelenting desire to chase after the football. Muasau plays with a phenomenal motor and has the instincts and recognition to get the jump on blocking schemes. He plays with good initial quickness but lacks extended pursuit speed in space. He will take shots downhill to spoil the action, but teams will have to live with missed tackles and inconsistent leverage in his pursuit. Muasau can handle some basic short-zone coverage but could get in trouble if the coverage expands into larger spaces. He has the potential to make the back end of a roster as a late-round pick or priority free-agent addition.

Strengths
Tremendously durable and productive as a tackler.
Coaches will love his instincts and play recognition.
Instantly flows to play direction, racing running backs to the lane.
Stout and powerful when challenging lead blocks in the hole.
Sticks his nose into the trash inside and roots out running backs.
Triggers quickly to smother leak-out backs after the catch.
Weaknesses
Has a hard time getting rid of climbing linemen in run game.
Overly eager and will run himself beyond cutback lanes.
Allows too many runners to escape from his clutches.
Below-average range as reactive tackler laterally.
Doesn't gain quick depth on spot drops and lacks man-cover speed.


Brugler


16. DARIUS MUASAU | UCLA 5117 | 225 lbs. | 5SR Ewa Beach, Hawaii (Mililani) 2/10/2001 (age 23.21) #53
BACKGROUND: Darius Muasau (MOO-uh-sao), the second oldest of six boys, was born in San Diego but grew up on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, just outside of
Honolulu. Both of his parents grew up in Hawaii. Along with his brothers, Muasau started playing football at the youth level , and he starred as a running back and
linebacker for the Halawa Knights (often coached by his father). He attended Mililani High School, where he was part of the same graduating class as quarterback
Dillon Gabriel (UCF and Oklahoma). Muasau moved up to varsity as a sophomore and played both ways as a linebacker and running back. After earning honorable
mention All-State honors as a junior, he earned first team All-State and 2018 Defensive Player of the Year as a senior, finishing with 87 tackles, 38.5 tackles for loss
and two interceptions. Muasau helped Mililani to a 10-3 record and runner-up finish for the 2018 Division title.
A two-star recruit, Muasau was the No. 149 inside linebacker in the 2019 recruiting class and the No. 27 recruit in Hawaii (Gabriel was No. 9). He received his first
Division I scholarship offer from his home state Hawaii in May 2018. FCS Portland State also offered him, but Hawaii was his only FBS offer, and he committed in July
2018 before his senior season. Muasau was pressed into action immediately as a freshman and played three years at Hawaii. Aft er the 2021 season (and the
controversial tenure of former head coach Todd Graham), Muasau entered the transfer portal and committed to UCLA a few days later. He led the Bruins in tackles in
2022 and elected to return for his fifth season as a super senior in 2023. His younger brother (Sergio) is the starting left guard and a rising senior at Hawaii. Muasau
accepted his invitation to the 2024 Hula Bowl and then also played at the 2024 East-West Shrine Bowl.
YEAR (GP/GS) TKLS TFL SACK FF PD INT NOTES
2019: (15/4) 61 3.0 0.0 0 0 0 Hawaii; Special Teams MVP
2020: (9/9) 104 9.5 4.5 0 2 1 Hawaii; First Team All-MWC; Led team in tackles, TFL and sacks; pandemic-shortened season
2021: (13/12) 109 14.0 7.0 5 5 1 Hawaii; First Team All-MWC; Led team in FFs, tackles, TFL and sacks; Team captain
2022: (13/13) 91 3.0 1.0 1 4 2 UCLA; Second Team All-Pac-12; Led team in tackles; Enrolled in January 2022
2023: (13/13) 75 10.5 4.0 0 6 1 UCLA; Second Team All-Pac-12; Led team in tackles; Def. Bowl MVP
Total: (63/51) 440 40.0 16.5 6 17 5
HT WT HAND ARM WING 40-YD 20-YD 10-YD VJ BJ SS 3C BP
COMBINE 5117 225 9 1/2 31 1/2 74 3/4 4.70 2.72 1.61 36 1/2 9'9" - - - (no shuttle, 3-cone, bench press — choice)
PRO DAY 6001 228 9 7/8 30 7/8 76 3/8 4.71 2.65 1.63 - - 4.41 7.23 - (no bench press — choice)
STRENGTHS: Physical, alert run defender ... good eyes to key, read and fill, arriving quickly to work around blockers ... scrapes well laterally with enough range to play
sideline-to-sideline ... has a good feel for where ball carriers are going to be, not where they are ... improved tackling discipline on his 2023 tape ... squares the ball
carrier with balance and accurate striking skills, creating stopping power at contact ... nice job slipping through gaps and cl osing as a blitzer ... understands depth on
his zone drops, making adjustments based on route combinations (15 passes defended the last three seasons) ... durable and didn't miss a game over the last five
seasons (63 games played) ... has the experience (573 snaps) and skill set to make plays on special-teams coverages (named special-teams MVP as a freshman) ... led
his team in tackles in each of the last four seasons (two at Hawaii, two at UCLA).
WEAKNESSES: Has some straight-line tendencies and false steps lead to trouble ... shifty runners can shake him in the hole ... reads the field well but needs t o
improve his ability to decipher the eye candy before it's too late ... has the hand strength to fit up blockers, but he lacks ideal arm length and his shed mechanics are
inconsistent ... can be trapped and cut off by tight end blocks ... needs to tighten up his angles out in space ... doesn't have ex plosive acceleration to close the gap
when chasing ... his man coverage skills aren't ready for NFL athletes.
SUMMARY: A two-year starter at UCLA, Muasau played Mike linebacker in former defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn's 4-2-5 base scheme. After three productive
seasons at Hawaii, he led the Bruins in tackles in both of his seasons in Westwood and has an impressive collegiate resume — he played in every game the last five
years and compiled 440 tackles and 40.0 tackles for loss. A quick-reacting defender, Muasau has the vision that gives him a head start on the play, which expands his
lateral range and helps him make stops near the line of scrimmage. He is aware in short-zone coverage, although he lacks the movement skills to stay connected to
backs or tight ends in man coverage. Overall, Muasau might not be elite in any one area, but he is a well-rounded linebacker with the play recognition and tackling
skills that will translate to any level. Similar in ways to Sione Takitaki, he projects as an NFL backup who can hold his own when he sees the field.
GRADE: 6th Round

PFF


Muasau loves to be physical and does not shy away from
doing the dirty work of playing linebacker. His lower size
profile makes him quick and explosive, but that lack of
weight really shows up when taking on and shedding blocks.
He can also be late to recognize where the ball is going.
PROFILE
• Embraces and welcomes the physical requirements of the
 position.
• Comfortable and confident in clutter and chaos.
• Takes pride in doing the dirty work to contain the run and set the
 edge.
• Will bulldoze running backs in pass protection.
• Can be late to recognize where ball carriers are going.
• Can get overpowered by most offensive linemen due to lower
 weight (even with momentum).
• Plays a style that requires more weight.

Discuss

https://x.com/Connor_J_Hughes/status/1784316196730335442

How do Nabers, Hyatt, and Robinson compare to the best trios in the league?

Cosell

TYRONE TRACY'S 2024 NFL COMBINE RESULTS
Height: 5'11 ⅛"
Weight: 209 pounds
40-yard dash: 4.48 seconds
10-yard split: 1.53 seconds
Vertical jump: 40"
Broad jump: 10'4"
20-yard shuttle: 4.06 seconds


TYRONE TRACY 2024 NFL DRAFT SCOUTING REPORT
STRENGTHS
Good-sized back with natural quickness and loose hips who shows excellent short-area burst and elusiveness.
Shows excellent patience and vision in gap-scheme run game tempo-ing his path to read offensive line pull and defenses.
Explosive short-area burst through the first level of defense with balance and body control to re-accelerate.
Can stop and start and re-accelerate both inside and on the edge. Doesn't slow down or lose stride on his cuts.
Effective in both zone and gap scheme run games showing one-cut downhill burst, patience and tempo.
Accelerating burst and speed to get to the edge and outflank the defense. Can outrun inside-out pursuit.
Outstanding shiftiness and elusiveness in confined space to make defenders miss and create extra yardage.
High-level one-cut downhill ability with sudden change of direction. Works through small creases at first level.
Makes defenders miss in different ways with multiple moves: lateral quickness, spins, physicality and speed.
Brings pass-receiving dimension out of the backfield with the ability to run intermediate and vertical routes.
Shows willingness and tenacity to step up and pass protect vs. blitzing second- and third-level defenders.


WEAKNESSES
Still learning the running back position given his college background as a receiver. Lacks needed experience.
At times, will look for the bigger play when he needs to attack the line of scrimmage and get the hard yards. Is that lack of experience?
Will need more work in the zone-run game where he has to read blocks, gap fluidity and defensive flow.
Doesn't possess home-run speed — won't run away from the defense when he gets past the third level.

NFL TRANSITION
Tracy was a full-time running back for only one season after spending his first five college seasons primarily as a wide receiver, the position at which he was initially recruited to play at Iowa.

While still learning the running back position, he'd likely make the transition to the next level in much the same way that Alvin Kamara and Jahmyr Gibbs are deployed by their respective teams. While Tracy isn't at the level of either back (Kamara in his prime, Gibbs right now going into his second season with the Detroit Lions), he would profile in an offense as a complementary primary back and multidimensional receiving weapon who can line up in multiple locations within the formation and could be especially effective as a detached receiver given his background.

Given the kind of running back that Tracy is and how he will best make the transition to the next level — assuming he will be deployed that way, which I believe is the most effective means for him to play in the league — there aren't a lot of weaknesses in his game. I could see him fitting well into an NFL offense that features the back in the passing game, especially with formation versatility.

Tracy will only get better as a runner with more experience, but he showed strong traits with his natural quickness and burst and his elusiveness making defenders miss in multiple ways. Perhaps most impressively, he showed more than functional physicality and competitive toughness to finish runs. Overall, Tracy is one of my favorite backs to watch, and I believe he is an ascending talent. I'm looking forward to seeing who drafts him and how he's deployed.

OTHER NOTES
Tracy was initially recruited by Iowa as a receiver and played his first four years there before transferring to Purdue for his final two seasons. In 2019 with the Hawkeyes, he had a 36-589-16.4-3 TD stat line; He made the full-time position switch to running back in 2023 and carried the ball 113 times after having only 33 rushes in his first five college seasons.

He was featured at times on jet sweeps in the Purdue offense, and there's no question Tracy can be deployed in multiple ways in the context of an NFL offense — both in terms of alignment, location and concepts. His 20-yard touchdown vs. Northwestern was a strong snapshot of him as a runner: gap scheme with lateral quickness and contact balance with a darting, slashing feel at the second and third levels of the defense. His 28-yard run vs. Indiana was another strong snapshot: inside lead play with Tracy again showing lateral agility to slide from gap to gap and the contact balance to work through tacklers at the second level.

McGinn


12. TYRONE TRACY, Purdue (5-11, 209, 4.48, 4-5): Started 16 of his 38 games as a wide receiver at Iowa from 2018-'21. Had 36 receptions in 2019. Team captain in '21. Transferred to Purdue in 2022 and was a backup wideout before moving to running back last year and flourishing. "Love him," one scout said. "Change of pace guy. Did really well in his first year really playing running back." Posted 113 of his career total of 146 rushes in 2023 when he led the Big Ten in yards per carry (6.4). Finished with 947 (6.5) and 10 TDs to go with 113 receptions. "Kind of new to the position so he's feeling it out," a second scout said. "His vision keeps him alive. Like a No. 3 running back who contributes on special teams. Not a powerful back but he's grown into that body and stays on his feet and fights for extra yardage. Has enough speed to get outside. Struggled in pass pro." His 3-cone time of 6.81 led the position. From Indianapolis.

NFL.com

By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Draft Projection
Round 4
NFL Comparison
Bilal Powell
Overview
Tracy was a full-time running back for only one year but had exciting flashes all over his tape. He's a bendy, rhythmic runner who sees and traverses the interior run lanes like he built the maze. He creates additional yardage with a blend of elusiveness, power and a willful desire to maximize each run, but he will need to curb his eagerness to bounce runs wide when it's time to finish and move to the next snap. While he's still honing his skills as a runner, his ability to handle gadget runs and threaten linebackers out of the backfield could get him on the field early on. Tracy will be an older rookie, but his versatility and burgeoning talent as a complementary runner should open evaluators' eyes to what he could become as a pro.

Strengths
Versatility with starting background at receiver and running back.
Loose hips and wide base allow sharp cuts and change of direction.
Glides with consistent pace and processing to find his pathways.
Long strides help him get to the corner on outside runs ahead of pursuit.
Spin moves, jump cuts and contact balance create a high number of yards after contact.
Capable kick returner and cover man on special teams.

Weaknesses
Still learning to run with discipline to the play design.
Needs to balance hero-ball efforts with more focus on moving the run downhill.
Excessive forward lean can lead to some imbalance as a one-cut runner.


Brugler


11. TYRONE TRACY JR. | Purdue 5111 | 209 lbs. | 6SR Indianapolis, Ind. (Decatur Central) 11/23/1999 (age 24.42) #3
BACKGROUND: Tyrone "Tee" Tracy Jr., the second of four boys, was born and raised in the Indianapolis area. His father (Tyrone Sr.) starred at Ben Davis High School
in Indianapolis before a prolific career at Division II Fort Hays State (1986-89), in which he set school records for all-purpose yards in a season and career (he was
inducted into Fort Hays State's Hall of Fame in 2011). Tyrone Tracy Jr. started playing flag football at age 3 and pee-wee tackle football at age 6. He was a multi-sport
athlete throughout childhood, but he shined brightest in basketball and football. Tracy attended Decatur Central High School and saw varsity action as a freshman,
accounting for 960 all-purpose yards as a running back and returner. He became the starting running back as a sophomore and rushed for 1,239 yards and 11
touchdowns, adding 27 receptions for 680 receiving yards.
As a junior, Tracy made more of an impact catching the football (40 receptions for 651 yards and nine touchdowns; 296 rushing yards and four touchdowns). As a
senior captain, he was named Gatorade Player of the Year in Indiana, as well as first team All-County and All-State for the third straight season. Tracy finished his final
season with 1,412 rushing yards, 1,132 receiving yards and 30 total touchdowns (17 receiving, 13 rushing), and he led Decatur Central to a 10-2 mark and undefeated
record in the conference. He set school records for career receiving yards (2,643), receiving touchdowns (33) and total touchdowns (72). Tracy was also a three-year
starting point guard on the Decatur Central basketball team and lettered in track (sprints, relays and jumps). He set personal bests of 6.94 seconds in the 60 meters,
11.31 seconds in the 100, 23.00 seconds in the 200 and 19 feet, 6.5 inches in the long jump.
BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 32
A three-star recruit, Tracy was the No. 31 running back in the 2018 recruiting class and the No. 8 recruit in Indiana. Midway through his sophomore season, in
October 2015, he received his first scholarship offer (Cincinnati). As a junior, Tracy added offe rs from Boston College, Iowa, Louisville, Navy, Northwestern and
Syracuse. He committed to Iowa in April 2017 and ranked as the No. 12 recruit in head coach Kirk Ferentz's 2018 class (center Tyler Linderbaum was No. 1). Although
he signed as a running back, Tracy moved to wide receiver for the Hawkeyes. He was a starter to open the 2021 season, but his snaps fell off a cliff by the end of the
season. Frustrated by his diminished role, Tracy entered the transfer portal in December 2021 and chose Purdue less than a week later. In 2023, he took advantage of
an extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA because of the pandemic and returned to West Lafayette for a sixth season.
Both of his younger brothers play football at Miami (Ohio) — Kenny, who broke several of Tracy's records at Decatur Central, is a rising senior RB; Javon is a rising
sophomore WR. His cousin (Larry III) played DB at Indiana (2019-21) before transferring to Illinois State (2022). His cousin (Miles) played college basketball at Indiana
University South Bend (2018-23). Tracy graduated with his degree in communications (May 2023). He accepted his invitation to the 202 4 Hula Bowl.
YEAR (GP/GS) CAR YDS AVG TD REC YDS AVG TD NOTES
2018: (4/0) 1 -1 -1.0 0 1 22 22.0 0 Iowa; WR; Redshirted; Enrolled in June 2018
2019: (13/8) 6 39 6.5 1 36 589 16.4 3 Iowa; WR
2020: (8/4) 2 22 11.0 0 14 154 11.0 1 Iowa; WR; Pandemic-shortened season
2021: (13/4) 7 33 4.7 1 15 106 7.1 1 Iowa; WR; Team captain
2022: (14/5) 17 138 8.1 0 28 198 7.1 0 Purdue; WR
2023: (11/9) 113 716 6.3 8 19 132 6.9 0 Purdue; RB; Led team in rushing TDs; 98-yard KR TD; Missed one game (injury)
Total: (63/30) 146 947 6.5 10 113 1,201 10.6 5
HT WT HAND ARM WING 40-YD 20-YD 10-YD VJ BJ SS 3C BP
COMBINE 5111 209 9 1/8 31 3/4 76 5/8 4.48 2.62 1.56 40 10'4" 4.06 6.81 - (no bench press — choice)
PRO DAY 5112 209 9 31 1/4 76 3/4 - - - - - - - 20 (bench only; stood on combine — choice)
STRENGTHS: Well-built athlete with above-average speed ... shifty cutting skills to make steep backside cuts and quickly clear the first wave (averaged 4.44 yards after
contact in 2023) ... abruptly adjusts his pacing to shake defenders in space ... has enough run strength to drive through uncommitted tackles ... receiver background
shows when he is targeted out of the backfield ... eager to body up defenders in pass pro and scans quickly to pick up blitzes ... only one career fumble (none in 2023)
... ranked second in the Big Ten in kick-return yardage in 2023, including a 98-yard touchdown return (17/428/1) ... also stood out on kick and punt coverages (six
special-teams tackles) ... led the team with nine total touchdowns in 2023 (eight rushing, one kick return).
WEAKNESSES: Inconsistent anticipating run lanes and eyes get too big for his appetite ... needs to be more efficient pressing and setting up blocks ... overly patient on
some runs, too impatient on others ... momentum occasionally stalls out of his jump cuts and late to hit the gas ... slight hip tightness limits his fluidity out in space ...
guilty of running before securing catches and had a pair of drops (and a few bobbles) on his 2023 tape ... willing as a pass bl ocker but needs to sharpen his technique
... missed the Ohio State game in October 2023 because of injury ... will turn 25 during his rookie season ... spent only one of six college seasons as a running back.
SUMMARY: A two-year starter at Purdue, Tracy played a "WideBack" position in offensive coordinator Graham Harrell's scheme, which utilized h is skills as both a
running back and wide receiver. After four seasons as a receiver at Iowa, his versatility as ball carrie r blossomed in West Lafayette, and in 2023 he led the Big Ten in
rushing yards per carry (6.34). Displaying natural instincts with the ball in his hands, Tracy runs with the dynamic agility and elusiveness to slip tackles from different
angles (21.9 percent of his carries in 2023 resulted in a 10-plus-yard run, which ranked top five in the FBS). However, his inexperience at running back shows in his
sporadic tendencies when choosing run lanes. Overall, Tracy needs to improve his decision-making at the line of scrimmage, but he can create with his quick lateral
cuts and contact balance — and he can stay on the field on passing downs. He is a multi-dimensional threat as a rusher, receiver and special teamer, which
increases his chances of commanding an NFL roster spot.
GRADE: 4th Round


Tyrone Tracy, Purdue: A recent convert to the position from wide receiver, Tracy has excellent open-field skills, good
acceleration and speed, and raw power. If he can learn how to work between the tackles, Tracy could develop into a lead
back or high-end contributor in a committee.
Michael Wiley, Arizona: The athletic ability and

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