Taking a look at why the New York Giants could pass on an offensive tackle with the 4th overall pick:
The Giants have multiple directions they can go in the 2020 NFL draft to solidify positions of absolute need. Drafting Isaiah Simmons seems to be the favorite amongst fans, but protecting Daniel Jones should also be at the front of general manager Dave Gettleman’s mind.
Ultimately, the main reason Gettleman could pass on an offensive tackle with the fourth overall pick is that he’s never spent a first-round selection on an offensive lineman. He tends to reside in the middle rounds for his “hog mollie” fix, drafting Trai Turner, Tyler Moton, and Daryl Williams while he was with the Carolina Panthers. He also landed Andrew Norwell as an undrafted free agent. The highest draft pick he’s ever spent on the OL is Will Hernandez, who was selected with the 34th overall pick in 2018.
The reality is, we shouldn’t expect him to change his ways this season, despite the Giants hiring Joe judge. Gettleman is known as one of the best offensive line evaluators in the NFL, which is why he has had ample success drafting in the mid-rounds in previous years. With plenty of talent in the second round for the Giants, drafting Simmons seems like a probable scenario.
Options like Lucas Niang, Isaiah Wilson, Austin Jackson, and potentially Ezra Cleveland could be available for the Giants to develop and plug-in in 2021 at No. 36.
The Giants still have a Nate Solder problem:
Current left tackle Nate Solder is cemented at the position for the time being, which would indicate the Giants would have to either create a position battle with the highest-priced player or develop a first-round talent for one year. However, if you were going to draft an offensive lineman with the fourth overall pick, you should expect them to play immediately, which is where a player like Jedrick Wills could slide in at right tackle. The Giants currently have Cameron Fleming and Nick Gates at the position, preparing to compete for starting reps.
Overall, I anticipate the Giants taking Simmons or another defensive playmaker, based on the fact that Gettleman has never drafted a lineman in the first round, and with high ceiling prospects in the second round, they can still get a developmental prospect with starting qualities for next year.