Taking a look at why drafting back-to-back offensive lineman could make sense for the New York Giants:
One of the more problematic factors for the Giants over the past few seasons has been their offensive line. Former general manager Jerry Reese did very little to plug quality starters into their protection scheme, despite allocating several high round picks toward the unit.
Players like Weston Richburg, Ereck Flowers, and Justin Pugh were all part of his diabolical plan to solve an everlasting problem. Unfortunately, none of those players ended up being even close to Pro Bowl quality.
Since Dave Gettleman took over for Big Blue two years ago, the Giants have still struggled to protect their quarterback in Eli Manning and now Daniel Jones. With the fourth overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft, they have plenty of quality draft capital to reinforce the unit and give Jones the protection he needs to succeed.
With options like Jedrick Wills, Andrew Thomas, Tristan Wirfs, and Mekhi Becton available at the top of the first round, the Giants are plush with prospects to choose from.
However, spending the fourth overall pick on an offensive lineman could be a misusage of resources, specifically since Gettleman has never spent a first-round pick on the OL.
Recent reports have indicated that Gettleman is looking to develop parameters for a potential trade back next Thursday in the first round. If he can find a team willing to swap picks, the Giants would gain more capital and still have the opportunity to land a top-tier tackle or linebacker, Isaiah Simmons.
#Giants GM Dave Gettleman says he will seriously consider trading down from No. 4.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 17, 2020
If Gettleman is really keen on piecing together the offensive line once and for all, he can use his first two picks to solidify the group. As mentioned before, the tackle prospects available portray ample value, and the second round could offer players like center like Matt Hennessey from Temple or Cesar Ruiz from Michigan. That would solve their left tackle issues and center, previously owned by John Halapio and Nate Solder in 2019.
This will ultimately move Solder over to the right side where Mike Remmers previously featured, protecting Jones’ blindside and solidifying a line that forced Manning into retirement.
While it may not be sexy to draft two consecutive linemen, it would give the offense a foundation to build off of and allow Giants management to focus purely on the defense moving forward.