The New York Giants are in need of a left tackle given Nate Solder can’t manage to elevate his play significantly in 2020. After two years of sub-par performances, putting Eli Manning and Daniel Jones’ lives in danger, finding a replacement might be the only option.
There are numerous quality tackles in the upcoming NFL Draft, but spending a top pick on a player who might not even play in 2020 is a significant concern. Solder is still slated to act as the Giants’ starting left tackle, which is a deterrent for a team that could use the extra support. In fact, that point promotes the idea of drafting a developmental prospect in the second-round with a high ceiling.
However, passing on a sure-fire player can be difficult. Alabama right tackle Jedrick Wills represents the cream of the crop in the upcoming draft, but his lack of experience on the left side is a major weakness. Nonetheless, he did cover Tua Tagovailoa’s blind-side, which suggests covering Jones’ bling-side might not be the most challenging transition.
Spending the 4th overall pick on a right tackle doesn’t seem like the best allocation of resources unless the Giants want to start him at his familiar position in 2020 and transition him to left tackle in 2021.
The tackle spots aren’t interchangeable, though, as they require different skill-sets and techniques. Wills commented on that reality, according to AOL.com:
“I took minimum reps at practice being at Alabama,” he explained Wednesday at the NFL combine. “Leading up to this pre-draft process, [I’ve tried] to do both, because I know it’s something that teams will question [me] about.
“Just trying to have that versatility. It’s something that’s new. Any time you have a new position, it’s gonna be a new feeling. It’s something I’m trying to get comfortable in and still working through.â€
This tells us that Wills isn’t prepared to start right away on the left side, but that he’s capable of adapting. As a technically sound prospect with great mental and physical attributes, it would be a process to change sides, but I believe it would work seamlessly after one season. The Giants could begin to transition him in 2020 with Solder still starting on the left side, solidifying the position with one of the best prospects at tackle in years.