Following the NFL Draft, the New York Giants are scheduled to have a very exciting offseason period with plenty of position battles across the roster.
As the New York Giants progress through OTAs, position battles are beginning to take shape. The offensive side of the ball has plenty of talent to enjoy a productive 2019.
Some of the exciting position battles that will ensure land at right tackle and the wide receiver positions. The signing of right tackle Mike Remmers, formerly of the Minnesota Vikings, will compete against Chad Wheeler on the right side of the line.
Remmers is coming off back surgery this offseason but is expected to be fully healthy heading into training camp. Wheeler ranked as one of the worst tackles in the league last season, while Remmers lands in the bottom-middle of the pack. He should have more of an impact than Wheeler, who was an undrafted free agent out of USC. He showed flashes of competency at times but simply didn’t have the level of talent required to success consistently at the professional level.
The new Giants, Remmers, has plenty of NFL experience to help the unit succeed, especially after GM Dave Gettleman traded for right guard, Kevin Zeitler. The solidification of the right side of the line should complete a massive rebuild of the front-five. However, I do anticipate Gettleman do address the position in the next draft if not allocating cap-space towards an upgrade.
I do anticipate Remmers winning this job with ease despite Wheeler being healthy and capable.
The Giants will have a great battle for the No. 3 WR spot:
Outside of Sterling Shepard and Golden Tate, who are immediate starters, the third spot on the unit is up for grabs. Options like Corey Coleman, Russell Shepard, and Cody Latimer will all compete for the starting job. I anticipate Latimer having the best shot at securing it as he was efficient before succumbing to injury in 2019.
He racked up a solid 190 yards and one score six total games last year. He’s productive when on the field and has the speed to beat corners deep. He’s not the most refined route runner, but he has trustworthy hands — 68.8% catch-rate in 2018. However, I wouldn’t rule out Coleman as a candidate to earn the role as well.
Coleman, a former first-round pick, has struggled to live up to expectation after breaking his hand early on while playing for the Browns. The Giants found a use for him as a kick returner, but the acquisition of Jabrill Peppers diminishes Coleman’s value.
The Giants invested a second-round tender in the pass-catcher, as they have seen glimpses of the potential most saw as he exited college. I don’t expect Russell Shepard to realistically contend for the third spot, but we’ve seen crazier things happen before.