With the 2019 NFL draft a mere month away, it’s time to begin considering the solidification of the right tackle position, especially with several free agent tackles still available. The New York Giants are in need of a replacement for Chad Wheeler.
General manager Dave Gettleman has allocated resources towards the bolstering of the line – signing left tackle Nate Solder, drafting left guard Will Hernandez, signing center Jon Halapio, and trading for star right guard Kevin Zeitler. The last position in need of capital just so happens to be on Eli Manning’s vision side, which doesn’t seem to make a difference considering his lack of mobility.
But, the benefits of adding the last puzzle piece ranges from increasing efficiency in regard to running the ball, but also giving Manning as much time as possible to operate the offense.
Three right tackle options the New York Giants should consider:
1.) Mike Remmers
Remmers is a veteran with six years of experience including seven playing experiences. He would be a relatively affordable option to replace Wheeler. His ties with Gettleman and head coach Pat Shurmur make him an intriguing option, but his age, 30, might be a little too steep for the Giants to commit to a long-term contract, which is likely what he’s seeking.
Remmers is a healthy option, for the most part, missing only five games in the last four years. According to PFF, Remmers is the 48th ranked guard in the league, finishing 2018 with a 59.2 grade.
In 2017, the former Viking signed a five-year, $30 million deal, but was released this offseason. Clearly, his stock has dropped after questionable performances, but he would undoubtedly be an upgrade over Wheeler.
2.) Dalton Risner
Let’s take a look at a potential draft pick – the Giants could elect to address the position in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft. Risner is a quality option that provides high-upside at the position for the long term. Additionally, his cap hit would be far less than Remmers, which is a huge positive given the Giants only have about $10 million in space left.
Despite having average length and athleticism, Risner is a consistent option with above average core strength. He’s the same player every play, which is a good thing considering the lack of consistency the Giants have endured at right tackle over the years.
Risner has solid balance and ability once he locks onto his target, but he could see problems against more athletic pass-rusher at the NFL level.
3.) Jeremy Parnell
If the Giants want to wait until 2020 to address the right tackle position, they should consider veteran Jeremy Parnell. The former Jaguar has had an above average career, but his play dropped off significantly in 2018. Kicking the tires on Parnell and hoping for one last quality season isn’t a bad idea – this would be in favor of utilizing the Giants’ second-round pick on the defensive side of the ball or further building the wide receiver corps.
For the most part, Parnell has had a healthy career, missing just seven games in the last seven years of his career. He graded out as the 49th ranked tackle in the league (65.3 grade). He’s average in run and pass blocking at this point in his career, which is ultimately a step up from Wheeler’s abilities – 78th ranked tackle in the NFL, per PFF.
A one-year deal worth $3.5 million would likely do the trick.