As part of the Post’s 2021 NFL Draft Preview, we examine what the Giants can do in each position. Sunday: Offensive line.
The Giants gave Andrew Thomas an offensive pick as the No. 4 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Can they become the offensive lineman at number 11 earlier this year? Sure they can, although it is not their top priority at this point. Of course, if Oregon’s Penny Seawell leaves them (he won’t), that priority will change. Other options to consider are Rashavan Slater of Northwestern, who sees many scouts advancing as a killer keeper. Slater, if he is available, should be seriously considered, as he has great flexibility and can deal with it right away. Is Christian Darisov (Virginia Tech) No. 11 Worth Taking? This can be a reach.
The Giants took three offensive linemen in last year’s draft and all three are under plan. Shane Lemieux to start at one of the guard spots and it is high on coaching staff Matt Peart, who will be given the first shot at the starting right tackle job. Cutting Kevin Zettler to make salary cap space means that there are no proven guards on the roster – remember, this staff hired Will Hernandez.
As far as depth, the Giants have Nate Soldier’s comeback tackle, a veteran and predecessor left tackle who should provide experienced and competent backup support at both tackle spots – unless he actually outplayed Pete Does and wins the right tack job. Nick Gates seems safe as the starting center. Jonathan Harrison has 42 NFL starts, mostly at center, and 84 games played, signed for insurance at places on the inner line. Other than that, there is not much in the way of proven depth. It would be surprising if the Giants do not take an offensive lineman with one of their first three picks.
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