With reports emerging that the New York Giants could look to trade back from the 5th overall spot in the 2022 NFL draft, there’s a legitimate possibility they could wait until Day 2 to find their new right tackle.
If Big Blue ended up with just one first-round pick, they could take the best player available approach, which could be Sauce Gardner out of Cincinnati or even Kayvon Thibodeaux from Oregon. If they decide to pass on an OT right off the bat, there are a few options in the 2nd round with plenty of upside they could target.
Two 2nd round tackles the Giants could target:
Bernhard Raimann:
The best second-round offensive tackle prospect is likely Bernhard Raimann out of Central Michigan. Raimann made the transition from Austria to the USA several years ago, initially starting his career as a tight end. With just a few years of football experience under his belt, it is unbelievable how far Raimann has come in terms of development.
Adding a whopping 60 pounds of mass over the past two seasons, Raimann finally has the stature of an offensive tackle at the NFL level. Standing at 6’6″ and 303 pounds, he plays far bigger than his frame, which suggests a mean mentality with underrated power. If he can continue adding more size and developing his technique, Raimann has the potential to be a legitimate starter at the next level.
Last season, he posted a 94.6 overall grade, per PFF, and is the fourth-ranked player at his position via their draft chart. With phenomenal athleticism, Raimann has all the tangible traits you like to see in an OT, but his size could hold him back initially as a rookie. His Combine numbers are also noteworthy, ranking above average in the 40-yard dash, 20-yard shuttle, bench press, vertical jump, broad jump, and 3-cone drills. His weight and arm length are the only two concerns, but many tackles have worked around those deficiencies in the past.
Bernhard Raimann punishing a jumper… Those are the rules! @BrandonThornNFL pic.twitter.com/GdwTUpeARX
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) October 28, 2021
Abraham Lucas:
Another 2nd round target for the Giants is Abraham Lucas out of Washington State. Lucas featured in an air raid system, which limits his experience as a run blocker. With over 2000 career pass-blocking snaps, the Giants could be intrigued by his knowledge in the area.
The 6’6″, 315-pound tackle allowed just 49 pressures across four years as a starter, showcasing his efficiency at the collegiate level. His technique needs significant development, but given he performed so well despite limitations in that area, the Giants will be intrigued.
The majority of his negatives revolve around a lack of experience and poor technique with his hands, all correctable issues. Another positive factor is that Lucas played right tackle strictly during his collegiate career, which might be a valuable factor for Big Blue.
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