There’s one position on offense that needs to be dealt with this offseason for the New York Giants.
If there’s any spot on the Giants’ roster that incoherently weak, it’s at left tackle, despite former offensive lineman Shaun O’Hara stating:
“I still think Nate Solder has some good football left, and I am not just talking about one year,â€Â O’Hara said, via Giants.com. “He could play another two or three years and you could keep a guy at right tackle. . . I think some of his best football is still in him.â€
Based on his production the last two seasons, O’Hara has no choice but to be right. He couldn’t possibly allow more pressure and sacks in one year if he lost a leg. His 11 sacks allowed was the 2nd highest in the NFL, further justifying the logical reasoning that he’s the Giants’ weakest link on offense.
However, with Tristan Wirfs out of Iowa gaining steam among the Giants brass, it’s possible Solder could be moved over to the left side as soon as this upcoming season. Having played the position in his rookie year, the former Patriot has the knowledge and experience but hasn’t featured on the right side in quite some time. It’s always possible that Joe Judge might be able to spark that competitive nature and help him return to form.
Solder has been dealing with some personally traumatizing experiences — his child having cancer and driving to Boston for him to receive treatment. Battling the emotional toll of your child fighting a deadly illness and preparing to play football at a high level is incredibly difficult.
Nonetheless, the Giants cannot continue to risk the health of their quarterback year-in and year-out, which suggests a switch to the right side could be realistic. If Gettleman drafts an offensive tackle, plugging him in at left tackle, they could finally stabilize a shaky front-five.
Leaving Solder at his traditional position could be problematic and even devastating, which leaves us wondering — is Gettleman willing to risk the health of his franchise quarterback?