The New York Giants’ front office feels confident about their starting offensive line unit, despite left guard Shane Lemieux working his way back from a knee injury he suffered early in training camp.
After a disappointing first preseason game against the New York Jets, Big Blue is on the hunt for reserve talent in the trenches, and their joint practice sessions this week and a preseason game against the Cleveland Browns should offer them a behind the scenes look at some of their roster bubble talents.
Cleveland has a strong offensive line, representing one of the only teams in the NFL to have so much security at a premium unit. With that being said, one player who could represent a target for the Giants in a potential trade or waiver claim is Drew Forbes, backup offensive guard. The former Southeast Missouri State lineman stands at 6’5†and 308 pounds and is just 24 years old.
Forbes, who was a sixth-round draft pick in 2019, was in line to compete for the starting job before an injury landed him on IR, and he proceeded to opt-out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19.
However, that doesn’t mean Forbes doesn’t have value, as he would immediately become the Giants’ best depth piece at the guard position. With the retirement of Zach Fulton and Joe Looney, they desperately need a player with upside.
Back in 2019, Sports Illustrated coined Forbes as their “Prospect X,†using words like “nasty†to characterize his physical approach and style of play. We know that general manager Dave Gettleman loves linemen who have a chip on their shoulder, and Forbes fits that mold perfectly.
Luckily for Big Blue, Forbes is on the roster bubble given how much depth Cleveland has at the position and him opting out last year. Both Blake Hance and Michael Dunn are ahead of him on the depth chart, and with the Giants practicing with Cleveland this week, a fantastic opportunity to scout him in person has presented itself.
Last week in the Browns’ preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Forbes recorded an 83.6 pass-blocking grade and 64.7 run-blocking grade, according to PFF. He enjoyed 29 total snaps at left guard. Based on the performance that Kenny Wiggins provided against the Jets, seemingly forgetting all fundamentals, targeting Forbes as a potential addition would be a solid move.