Evaluating general managers should give you an idea of their mentality regarding draft picks and how they like to allocate resources to bolster specific units. The New York Giants have Dave Gettleman running the show, and his methods are consistent and concise in the draft.
The Giants desperately need offensive tackle support, as Nate Solder had a troublesome 2019, and the right tackle position is in limbo after the departure of Mike Remmers. After signing Cam Fleming (swing tackle) and placing their bets on UDFA Nick Gates, who played well in 2019, the Giants are hoping for the best at two of the more critical spots in the NFL.
However, left tackle will be a necessity after the 2020 campaign when Solder’s dead-cap hit lowers toa reasonable number. Drafting a player to compete with him or take over the right tackle position in the meantime isn’t a bad idea, but it’s unlikely given Gettleman’s draft history.
The New York Giants can’t expect Dave Gettleman to draft an OT in the first round:
Gettleman has ‘never’ spent a first-round draft choice on an offensive lineman, and there’s a reason for that. The former Carolina Panther GM prides himself on evaluating his “hog mollies” and finding great value in the mid-rounds.
While in Carolina, Gettleman landed Trai Turner, Daryl Williams, Taylor Morton, and All-Pro guard Andrew Norwell. The highest pick he spent on those starting four players was a second-rounder (he had two that year, and it was the later one – 64th overall).
Gettleman snagged Norwell as an undrafted free agent, similar to Nick Gates, who has displayed quality at the guard and tackle position. With that information, we can make a logical projection that he will not take an offensive tackle in the first round but instead wait until the second round to grab a developmental player.
Think of Will Hernandez, who the Giants selected in the second round — the upcoming draft has a strong tackle class, and the second-round has plenty of talent to choose from, including Isaiah Wilson, Josh Jones, Austin Jackson, Ezra Cleveland, Lucas Niang and more.
Based on Gettleman’s history, he will not spend the 4th overall pick on a lineman when he knows how much quality lies beyond the first round. Solder is already plugged in as the Giants’ starter anyway, so they could theoretically wait until 2021 to draft a new player (that doesn’t reflect my opinion).
Despite these historical conclusions, I believe the Giants win the draft by either selecting a playmaker on defense like Isaiah Simmons or an offensive tackle. It will be difficult for Gettleman to mess this draft up.