NFL Rookie Roundup 360: Giants' Tyrone Tracy Jr. lifts the Big Blue, Bo Nix shines

New York Giants rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr left the Seahawks sleepless in Seattle.  In what was a dreamlike performance brought to reality, the 2024 NFL Draft fifth round pick was monumental in this team’s Week 5 victory with 129 rushing yards on 18 carries.

It looked a little bit like Sequon Barkley out there as Tracy ran through the Seahawks defense with an average of 7.2 yards per carry.  It was an unexpected performance, but one that was obviously welcome by the Giants’ offense as the team improved their record to 2-3 on the season.

In stepping in for an injured Devin Singletary, Tracy showed off his rhythmic running style by hitting the holes quick, sharp cuts and speed to break away from defenders.  The overall performance earned the Giants rookie a top 5 nod amongst top NFL rookie performances from NFL Network’s Peter Schrager.

"He was amazing," Schrager said of the fifth round pick out of Purdue. "The Giants knew they had this guy, a Ferrari in the garage if you will. He had been sharing carries with Eric Gray and of course Devin Singletary, and just needed a chance to break out. He had an outstanding training camp, and now is stepping it up in real life. Tyrone Tracy played a little bit in those first few games, and then against Seattle, gets the nod. 129 rushing yards on 18 carries in a win."

Tracy not only earned the praise and recognition of Schrager, but also Giants head coach Brian Daboll who lauded the rookie running back’s vision and extra yards he earned with the ball in his hand.  After this performance, Giants fans should now look forward to seeing how Tracy grows as a versatile running back.  His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield (5 receptions for 42 yards on the season) makes him a new weapon in the Giants’ defense.

Bo Nix shows what he can be in the Broncos’ offense

Another rookie making Schrager’s top 5 list was Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix was solid in his team’s victory over the Las Vegas Raiders last Sunday.

In completing 19-of-27 of his passes for 206 yards and two passing touchdowns, the No. 11 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft jumped into the rookie QB praise cycle by showing off his accuracy and using his feet when necessary.  With Jayden Daniels and Caleb Williams also putting forth top notch performance in Week 5, Broncos fans and head coach Sean Payton must be pleased about their rookie signal caller.

"He played well," Head Coach Sean Payton said Monday. "He used his feet, went through his progressions, threw the ball well, got it down the field, took the underneath throws. He handled the two-minute again. That's happened a number of times now, where we've been able to get some points at the end of the half. He had good command of what we were doing, and I was pleased." 

Although Nix has led the Broncos to three consecutive victories, he has struggled early in the season.  His Week 5 performance, however, is the blueprint as to how he will be successful in Year 1.  The arm talent is there, but he just must play within Payton’s system and deliver when the opportunity is there for him to make a big play with either his arm or feet.

Other rookie standouts in Week 5 and who to watch in Week 6

As mentioned, both Williams and Daniels were impressive in their team victories.  Other noteworthy rookie performances include Jaguars’ Brian Thomas Jr, who outran the Colts with 5 receptions for 122 yards and a TD.  That included an 85-yard touchdown reception that showing off his elite speed.

Elsewhere, Raiders’ rookie tight end Brock Bowers impressed with 8 receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown.  The No. 13 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft was quiet the last couple of weeks but bounced back in a big way vs the Broncos.  Another rookie running back who had a career day was Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright.  The Tennessee product helped lead Miami to a 15-10 victory over the Patriots with 86 yards rushing in 13 attempts.

As far as Week 6, rookies to watch will be Patriots QB Drake Maye, who will be getting his first NFL start as well as Saints’ QB Spencer Rattler.  As far as playmakers, Bears’ wide receiver Rome Odunze is coming into his own and Colts rookie receiver Adonai Mitchell will get his opportunity to step up with Michael Pittman Jr out.