The New York Giants spent much money this free agency upgrading their defense. However, the team did not invest a whole lot into their offensive line- a positional unit that has not performed well in years. Nevertheless, the 2020 NFL Draft is two weeks away, and the Giants are going to have to spend some picks on offensive linemen.
There is plenty of debate about whether or not the Giants should select an offensive tackle fourth overall in this year’s draft. But there is no debate to be had over whether or not the Giants should draft a center this year- they absolutely have to. No, not with the fourth overall selection, but the Giants need to address the center position early in the draft. Reportedly, this is New York’s plan.
The Weakest Link
The Giants’ offensive line is the weakest positional group on the team. But there is no single position weaker than the center. Offensive tackle is the other position that can be debated here, but that is only because it is a more valuable position. The Giants have two starting-caliber players playing tackle. They are not high-end starters and are not long-term solutions.
But the Giants do not have a legitimate starter at center right now. If the season started tomorrow, Spencer Pulley would be starting at center for the Giants. Pulley played in four games and started only one game in 2019. He is a high-quality backup and not someone the Giants should feel confident in starting when the 2020 NFL season kicks off.
Some Center Options Early On
There are multiple centers for the Giants to target in the 2020 NFL Draft. A few prospects could be worthy of the Giants’ thirty-sixth overall selection. If Cesar Ruiz slips out of the first round, he would be a home-run selection for the Giants in the second round. New York has held a virtual meeting with the stud Michigan center prospect (according to Jordan Reid of TDN).
If the Giants decide to wait a little later to find their center, they could snag Wisconsin center Tyler Biadasz in the third or fourth round. Biadasz started 41 collegiate games in Wisconsin and is one of the best interior offensive linemen in the draft class. He might not be day-one ready like Ruiz, but he definitely has potential as a long-term solution for the center position.