The New York Giants‘ offensive line was one of the roster’s weakest units entering this offseason. After two days of the NFL Draft, New York was able to land a prospect in the second round to serve as a massive upgrade on the front line. The Giants drafted John Michael Schmitz with the 57th overall pick in the draft, giving them a potential day-one starter. Here’s what Big Blue’s projected offensive line looks like after day two of the draft:
Projecting the Giants’ starting offensive line:
- LT: Andrew Thomas
- LG: Ben Bredeson
- C: John Michael Schmitz
- RG: Mark Glowinski
- RT: Evan Neal
John Michael Schmitz is the only new face on the offensive line, but this rookie second-round pick plugs in as an instant starter at center. Schmitz is a high-IQ football player, making the calls for Minnesota’s offense in 2022. He finished the season as PFF’s top-graded center with a 92.3 overall grade. Schmitz will step in as an instant starter for the Giants.
With Schmitz taking the center spot, the left guard position is Ben Bredeson’s to lose. Bredeson started eight games at left guard for the Giants in 2022. He will compete with second-year guard Joshua Ezeudu for the starting role, but Bredeson’s experience should give him the edge in this competition.
To the left of Bredeson will be 2022 second-team All-Pro Andrew Thomas. The fourth-overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft established himself as one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL last season. Thomas is a truly elite talent and will look to build on his dominant 2022 campaign.
Evan Neal will be the key to the offensive line’s success in 2023. Neal struggled tremendously as a rookie, surrendering seven sacks in 13 games. The Giants are hoping to see the seventh overall pick in last year’s draft take a big step forward in year two. If Neal can elevate his game this season, New York could wind up with a top-tier tackle duo.
The Giants’ weakest points on the offensive line are at the guard spots. At right guard, Mark Glowinski projects as the starter again in 2023. However, the 30-year-old lineman struggled immensely last season, giving up five sacks and 34 pressures. With no obvious upgrades on the roster, New York will likely need to move forward with Glowinski as a starter.
If Neal makes the jump in year two, the Giants will be confident in the future of their offensive line. Thomas has established himself as one of the league’s top young talents. Schmitz looks like a sure-thing at the center spot, hopefully giving New York a consistent starter for years to come. Neal has all the tools and traits to be one of the best tackles in the NFL if he’s able to put it all together. The New York Giants’ offensive line should be a majorly improved unit in 2023.