New York Giants: Will Hernandez can quickly become star on offensive line

New York Giants, Will Hernandez, Nate Solder
Jul 26, 2018; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants offensive guard Will Hernandez (71) talks with offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) during training camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Giants and general manager Dave Gettleman have put an emphasis on rebuilding the offensive line as foundational support for veteran quarterback Eli Manning and his eventual successor Daniel Jones.

Ensuring the two passers have ample protection in a league suffering an offensive lineman draught will give them an advantage. Signing left tackle Nate Solder to a four-year, $62 million deal might have been excessive at the time, but considering Ereck Flowers is still a starting player in the NFL, you can imagine how much value Solder really brings.

However, the one lineman I’m most excited about is left guard, Will Hernandez. The former UTEP standout made a name for himself during the second half of 2018. Manning was sacked 47 times last season but only went down 16 times after the midway point.

That’s a clear indication of improvement and efficiency. If the line can lower the total number to 32 next season they will be in a very good spot — better than most.

The New York Giants are expecting big things from their young guard:

Being a rookie from a small school certainly has its obstacles, but Herandez is finally in a place of comfort.

“It definitely doesn’t even feel like the same time of year that I had last year,” Hernandez said via Giants.com. “It feels like a completely different time of year to me. I feel like I’m a lot more comfortable here and I feel like I can breathe. I’m not struggling to learn the whole playbook, cram everything down, learn everything, make sure I don’t mess up. I’m actually able to enjoy it, but at the same time, work hard and get to know these guys even better.”

Bringing in Kevin Zeitler from the Browns might be the most underrated move of the offseason for Gettleman, and he’s been nothing but fantastic for the younger players like Hernandez trying to elevate their game.

“He’s been phenomenal, not only as a player but as a teacher, too,” Hernandez said. “He’s taught a lot of young guys, including myself, a lot of technique. He was one of the top pass protectors in the league last year, so he definitely has a lot to offer and he’s passing it on to the young guys, myself also, and we’re really glad to have him.”

Ranked as the top pass-protector in the NFL last season and top 6 guard in the league, Zeitler is certainly a quality mentor, and anything Hernandez can learn from the hog mollie should be well received. Moving towards the 2019 season, the general consensus is that Hernandez will take a major leap forward and emerge as a rock on the line.

Daniel Jones should be very excited.