Everyone loves playing fantasy football. However, leagues are not won by the players you select in the early rounds but by the players you draft later on.
One thing fantasy players always target in the later rounds are high-upside handcuffs and rookie running backs. They can become league winners if the starter gets hurt or benched. This year, two running backs fit into that category – Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Braelon Allen.
Which Day 3 rookie running back should fantasy players draft in 2024? Let’s look at both players’ fantasy football outlook.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
- Kicker fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Tyrone Tracy Jr. 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook
Tracy was a fifth-round pick by the New York Giants. He is a converted wide receiver but spent the past two years playing running back. Tracy had 716 rushing yards and eight touchdowns last season, averaging over six yards per rushing attempt.
The rookie running back has taken reps with the starters during mini-camp. Reportedly, Tracy could have the third down role locked up before Week 1. More importantly, Devin Singletary is an average running back. The veteran is the only thing standing between Tracy and the starting role.
Giants rookie RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. has been taking reps with the starters and is “already making a push” to be the team’s passing down RB, per @art_stapleton pic.twitter.com/IhQTJ1MIpf
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) June 13, 2024
Braelon Allen 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook
Allen had many fans heading into the NFL Draft. The rookie running back had an outstanding college career, totaling 597 rushing attempts for 3,494 yards and 35 touchdowns in three years at Wisconsin. He had at least 11 rushing touchdowns every season in college.
The fourth-round pick is the youngest player in the NFL. Yet, Allen is built like a tank. While the New York Jets spent a fifth-round pick on Israel Abanikanda in the 2023 NFL Draft, the second-year player won’t keep Allen off the field if something happens to Breece Hall.
Braelon Allen might be the BIGGEST running back in the NFL.
Oh, and he’s the youngest player in the ENTIRE LEAGUE (Jan. 20, 2004)
It’s SCARY HOURS in New York 😳 pic.twitter.com/RdSp1M1TmR
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) June 1, 2024
Which Rookie Running Back Should I Draft In 2024?
Fantasy players won’t jump for joy to draft either rookie running back. However, both players are excellent late-round picks. While both rookies are talented players, Tracy is the better pick because he offers more upside.
The only way Allen will be fantasy-relevant is if Hall misses time with an injury. Meanwhile, Tracy could replace Singletary as the Giants’ starting running back.
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!
Win More With RotoBaller
Be sure to also check out all of our other daily fantasy football articles and analysis to help you set those winning lineups, including this new RotoBaller YouTube video:
More Fantasy Football Analysis