With Nate Solder electing to opt-out of the 2020 season citing family and health concerns, the New York Giants now have to find their starting right tackle a different way. Previously, the expectation was that they would utilize Solder in a position battle at right and left tackle to see where he shook out.
However, things have changed quickly, and fourth-round pick Andrew Thomas is now more inclined to start at left tackle. While some may argue that it is better to insert him on the right side to develop, you don’t draft a player in the top five picks not to utilize him in his intended fashion.
Let’s take a look at three competitors for the New York Giants at right tackle:
1.) Nick Gates
The Giants love Nick Gates and the tenacity he brings to the offensive line. Having spent time at right tackle and right guard in 2019, he showed the ability to adapt and play well at both positions. While he’s been projected as a center competitor during training camp, the Giants will undoubtedly slide him in on the right corner to battle it out. Ultimately, it might be in his best interest to become a starting right tackle in the NFL, as they get paid far more than centers.
However, he has been working with Las Vegas Raiders quarterback, Derek Carr, featuring under center. Nonetheless, he filled in for guard Kevin Zeitler last season with an 82.1 overall grade, according to PFF. Against the Dolphins, he didn’t allow a single pressure, and with Zeitler expected to return to the lineup in full force, right tackle and center seem to be his best chance at earning a starting spot.
2.) Cameron Fleming
Cameron Fleming is a career back up for the most part. At 27 years old, Fleming has played in 75 regular-season games with 26 starts. He also has 11 postseason games of experience, including a Super Bowl appearance. Having a true swing tackle to supplement injuries and deficiencies, Fleming was supposed to fill that role adequately.
However, with Solder opting out, Fleming could be injected into a starting role immediately. His experience is a major part of his value, and having experience with offensive line coach Marc Colombo is tremendous.
In addition, Fleming filled in for Tyron Smith last year and played at a solid level. He was able to anchor down the Cowboys’ offensive line, giving up just two sacks and 13 pressures over 10 games. He’s not a flashy lineman, but he gets the job done with grit and strength. His ability to anchor I pass blocking makes him a good player, but he is not flexible and can be defeated against bendy pass rushers.
3.) Matt Peart
Peart is a developmental commodity, who was selected in the third round to provide more depth at tackle. However, he has the tangible traits to develop nicely into a starting player moving forward. The University of Connecticut product actually has a better frame for a left tackle. The Giants intend to refine him into a right tackle.
During the NFL combine this year, he finished in the 90th percentile of all tackles. He had the longest reach out to combine with 36 5/8 inches. At 6-foot-6, Peart has a fantastic frame that just needs a little bit more bulk.
Matt has been starting since 2016 in college, playing both left and right tackle. In his senior campaign, he only allowed 2.0 sacks, one quarterback hit, and four quarterback hurries over 415 pass-blocking snaps. He has never been injured and represents plenty of potential for the New York Giants.