Giants interested in run-blocking mauler second-round OT prospect

The New York Giants are doing their due diligence on the 2022 NFL Draft’s offensive line prospects. Many believe that the Giants will take the best offensive tackle on the board with the fifth overall pick in the first round. But new general manager Joe Schoen is planning ahead, taking a look at later-round prospects as well. According to Matt Lombardo, the Giants are having a visit with a second-round offensive tackle prospect this week, Tulsa’s Tyler Smith.

What could Tyler Smith bring to the Giants?

The Giants have expressed interest in a few middle-to-late round offensive line prospects. Tyler Smith, however, seems like a realistic option in round two if the Giants walk out of the first round without a tackle. Smith is a 6’6″, 322 pounds, violent and powerful offensive tackle.

Tyler Smith’s playing style has been compared to that of potential top-ten pick Ikem Ekwonu. Both prospects are violent maulers in the running game. Smith earned a 92.1 PFF grade and led all FBS OL in big-time run-blocks in 2021. His PFF grade also led all AAC offensive tackles in 2021.

Smith spent his collegiate career playing left tackle, though, a position the Giants have already solidified. If the Giants were to draft Tyler Smith, he would need to transition to the right side. Regardless of which side he plays on, though, the mission is clear for Tyler Smith:

“People are trying to hurt my quarterback. I’m really protecting somebody’s life back there.” – Tyler Smith via PFF

Tyler Smith has some development to work through in pass protection. However, he was so physically dominating as a run-blocker in college. It is hard to see a scenario where Smith does not make an impact at the next level considering the run-blocking success he achieved at Tulsa. Tyler Smith is a backup plan for the New York Giants, but he would be an excellent selection if they go offensive tackle at the top of the second round.