The New York Giants could find themselves in a problematic situation in a few years regarding salary space.

Building a foundation through the NFL Draft is the best way to piece together the complex thing that’s a football team. The Giants have attempted to use the draft in recent years to help solidify a youthful mentality, and so far, they have done a good job of filling essential positions with young players. However, some positions will ultimately restrict their monetary mobility down the line, for example, Saquon Barkley at running back.

After the 2021 season, Barkley will be in line for a massive extension, and the Giants will be on the hook to give it to him unless they look to trade him away for draft capital (that’s a possibility). I believe they will extend him on a deal worth over $20 million per season, severely limiting their cap space.

In the 2020 NFL Draft, there’s a high probability that the Giants will select Isaiah Simmons, and paying him down the line will also be expensive but not as much as an offensive tackle, and that’s one fundamental issue Gettleman has entrapped himself in.

If the Giants do draft Simmons, which I’m perfectly fine with, they might put themselves in a position where they need to sign an offensive tackle down the line, which is arguably the most expensive position in the NFL, aside from quarterback and pass rusher. Spending top-five draft choices on traditionally cheaper spots and not taking advantage of high-priced positional players on their rookie contracts is how you put yourself in cap-hell down the line.

This is a significant issue that could hurt Big Blue in two years when Saquon Barkley needs an extension. The Giants made sure to sign their free-agents to three-year deals with front-loaded guarantees to open up space down the line if they need it, and they undoubtedly will.

However, it’s important to note that the salary-cap will continue to increase millions of dollars, affording teams more money to pursue talented players. This will inevitably elevate the prie-tags of big-name free agents, but it does provide some solace in the grand scheme.

Nonetheless, Gettleman has several very attractive avenues he can take in the draft. Selecting Simmons, drafting a tackle, or trading back for value are all acceptable movements based on the talent available at each spot.