As part of The Post’s 2021 NFL Draft preview, we’re exploring what the Giants could do in each position. Sunday: offensive line.
The Giants took an offensive tackle Andrew Thomas with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Can they become an offensive lineman again in the first round this year, at number 11? Of course they can, although it doesn’t seem to be their top priority at the moment. Of course, if Penei Sewell comes to them from Oregon (he won’t), that priority will change. The other option to consider is Rashawn Slater from Northwestern, who sees many scouts moving in to be a killer guard. Slater, if available, should be seriously considered as he has great positional flexibility and can act immediately on the right tackle. Is Christian Darrisaw (Virginia Tech) worth the number 11 pick? That could be a range.
The Giants brought three offensive linemen with them last year and all three are in the plans. Shane Lemieux thinks to start at one of the waiting areas and this technical staff is high on Matt Peart, who gets the first chance to start the right tackle. Cutting Kevin Zeitler to create salary cap means there is no proven security guard on the roster – remember, this staff put Will Hernandez on the bench.
In terms of depth, the Giants have got it covered with the return of Nate Solder, a veteran and former starting left tackle who has to provide experienced and capable backup support in both tackle spots – unless he really trumps Peart and the right tackle- job wins. Nick Gates seems safe as a starting point. Jonotthan Harrison has 42 NFL starts, mostly in the middle, and 84 games played, signed for insurance on the inner line spots. Other than that, there isn’t much in the way of proven depth. It will be a surprise if the Giants don’t take an offensive lineman with one of their first three picks.