nick gates

New York Giants: Dave Gettleman indicates that Nick Gates could have a big role in 2020

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New York Giants, Nick Gates

The New York Giants might have their right tackle already on the roster.

In a conference call with Giants’ general manager Dave Gettleman on Monday afternoon, he indicated that offensive lineman Nick Gates could be in line for a significant promotion in 2020. He stated explicitly — “I know this sounds crazy … we got faith in Nick Gates.”

Having been an undrafted free agent one year ago, Gates is now in line to earn serious reps next season. With the right tackle position being open for the taking, it’s possible the Giants attempt to plug him in there with Cam Fleming operating as a competitor and swing option.

Ultimately, the Giants have far too many holes to solve in the upcoming draft, which is why they will have to choose what spots to inject new talent into carefully. They’ve already signed a new cornerback, linebacker, and pass rusher, but need a new tackle, center, and top-tier pass rusher. If Gates can cement himself as a quality right tackle, a spot he succeeded in minimally last season, Gettleman will have one less essential position to worry about.

However, the jury is still out on Nate Solder and if he can hold up in pass protection with Daniel Jones under center. Keeping the second-year quarterback safe must be a priority, which is why the elevated confidence in Gates can be a bit problematic. Alternatively, Gates could be pushed into the center position, where his frame is a bit more suited.

The Giants are also looking to numerous prospects:

Recent reports have indicated that Gettleman is enamored with tackle prospects like Tristan Wirfs out of Iowa. It’s possible these players are being considered at left tackle, but Solder is still on the roster and too expensive to cut/bench at this point. Wirfs could theoretically compete for the right tackle spot with Fleming and Gates, transferring over to the left side in 2021. This is likely what would unfold if the Giants spend the 4th overall pick on a tackle.

Do the New York Giants have a darkhorse offensive tackle on the roster?

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New York Giants, Nick Gates

One of the biggest questions for the New York Giants this off-season is who will be their starter at right tackle. In 2019, they signed Mike Remmers to be their one-year option, and while he played surprisingly well, he will not return to Big Blue for the upcoming season.

You could make the argument that the Giants need both left tackle and right tackle, as Nate Solder had a very tumultuous 2019 campaign. However, I anticipate that Solder remains put on the left side, covering Daniel Jones is blindside. Cutting Solder would not make sense at this point, as he would count $13 million in dead cap, saving just $6.5 million for the Giants to use in free agency.

Alternatively, they could move him over to the right side, but the adaptation of new skills and abilities is not as seamless as you might think.

The New York Giants can go one of two ways at right tackle:

The Giants can pursue Jack Conklin in free agency, who is likely going to earn at least $19 million per season, or they can stick with a dark horse candidate already on the roster, by the name of Nick Gates.

Gates, who played tackle and guard last year for the Giants, was solid at both spots. His reliability and instant success make him a potential starter for the 2020 season, but GM Dave Gettleman might be concerned about his lack of reps.

Gates previously played left tackle at Nebraska, but in the pros, he was always projected as a guard. It is hard to anticipate the Giants moving him to right tackle permanently, especially after such a small sample size of reps. Still, I wouldn’t rule out the possibility, considering his low cap hit.

Gates will earn just $660K in 2020. At 25 years old, plugging in Gates at right tackle would allow the Giants to avoid spending big money in free agency at the position, and also utilizing too much draft capital to find a tackle. However, finding a young solidified college tackle would be a good move, considering the price tag of a quality option in free agency. Whether or not we can trust Gates in pass protection as the starter is yet to be seen, but he proved himself in 2019, and I wouldn’t rule out Gettleman giving him a shot in the near future.

New York Giants might have one darkhorse offensive lineman on the roster

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New York Giants, Nick Gates

One of the more tumultuous tasks ahead of New York Giants‘ head coach Joe Judge is building the offensive line into a powerhouse unit. General manager Dave Gettleman has allocated plenty of resources to the group over the past two seasons, starting with left tackle Nate Solder and ending with former right guard, Patrick Omameh.

While Gettleman has missed on several players, he has struck gold on guys like Will Hernandez and Kevin Zeitler. However, the left tackle positions remain worrisome, and they cannot commit to Mike Remmers for another year at right tackle.

This offseason will require Judge and Gettleman to spend more cap-space or use a draft pick on a new lineman, but they might already have a cheaper option on the roster.

Swing tackle Nick Gates presents a fantastic opportunity for the Giants to plug in a quality player who will earn just 660K in 2020. Gates has surfaced at guard and tackle, and while he’s expressed his comfort playing on the interior, he has shown quality at the tackle position.

The Giants can remain steady at guard, for now, with Hernandez and Zeitler both holding their own during a tough 2019 season. Daniel Jones’ protection remains a priority for the Giants, and Gettleman must finally solidify the line if he wishes to keep his job safely tucked under a fire blanket.

Plugging Gates into the starting RT position would open up a ton of mobility for the Giants in free agency. Still, the question is, can they be confident that the former undrafted free agent can hold down the fort during the regular season? Last year, Gates was great in a small sample size, but thrusting him into a starting role with a young quarterback under center might not be advisable.

I believe Big Blue will sign a right tackle, leaving Gates to act as a swing option again. His ability to move around the line makes him an asset, as injuries are a frequent occurrence in the trenches. While his value is increasing, I don’t believe he’s ready to handle the load of being a starter just yet.

 

Big news could await the New York Giants on Tuesday

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New York Giants, Pat Shurmur

As New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman was walking out of the locker room following the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in week 17, he quickly barked to patient reporters, “We’ll talk Tuesday.”

Gettleman seems confident that he will remain with the organization beyond what was a tumultuous 2019 season, but head coach Pat Shurmur couldn’t say the same during his press conference. He mentioned that “it’s only going to get better,” and that he wasn’t given the most talented roster to play with this season, but nothing in regards to his future with the Giants.

Tuesday will likely spell the end of at least one coach, and Shurmur is undoubtedly on the hot-seat, especially with Ron Rivera being available as his replacement. Gettleman is close with Rivera, who spend multiple years with him in Carolina, putting together a playoff-caliber team.

Theoretically, the Gettlman/Rivera tandem makes the most sense for owner John Mara. However, for everybody else, it seems like another go around the circle of failure. Being trounced by the Eagles in what was likely Eli Manning’s final game in blue was a disgrace, and co-owner Steve Tisch’s “tear it down” attitude might finally come to fruition, but the “let the Mara’s figure it out” mentality will surely reignite once again.

Is Dave Gettleman’s job safe with the New York Giants?

Gettleman has done plenty wrong to justify his firing, starting with his attempt at piecing together the offensive line. Left tackle Nate Solder has been a huge miss, and he will count $19.5 million in cap next season. On the flip side, Gettleman did draft Daniel Jones who seems to have the tools to become the next franchise quarterback for Big Blue. He also hit on multiple late-round picks, UDFAs (Ryan Connelly, Darius Slayton, Kaden Smith, Nick Gates, etc.), some of which have a limited sample size.

I would say Gettleman is about 50/50 on his hits and misses, maybe a bit more on the negative side, but he’s a voice Mara is intimidated by and won’t be keen to fire in the coming days. That’s the issue with hiring Gettleman in the first place. He’s close with the Mara’s. One day, John will learn not to mix friends with business.

New York Giants news, 12/28 – Nate Solder willing to change positions to remain with team

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New York Giants, Nate Solder

Good Morning, New York Giants Fans!

The New York Giants have been incredibly loyal to left tackle Nate Solder, and not because he’s earning $16 million per season, but because of how they’ve allowed him to take time off to care for his son, who’s battling cancer.

Solder has undoubtedly been affected by the unfortunate events plaguing his kin, and the Giants have stood by his side every step of the way. Now, he’s willing to return the favor to stay with the organization.

With the former Patriot’s salary-cap implications rising to a massive $19.5 million in 2020, the Giants have a decision to make. They either cut him and pay $13 million in dead cap, saving $6.5 million, or they retain him. This would open up a void at the tackle position. If they’re keen on drafting an option like Andrew Thomas of the Georgia Bulldogs, this makes sense. However, there’s a third option GM Dave Gettleman should consider.

If Solder is incapable of handling the left tackle position any longer, he could switch over to the right side, which would open up the door for Thomas to be inserted right in.

Alternatively, the New York Giants have Nick Gates as a reserve option who can play both tackle and guard. He has been a positive force in the trenches this year and is working his way towards a potential starting gig. If the Giants don’t feel as though Solder can be of use, Gates could slide in.

Nonetheless–

Your top news of the day:

John Fennelly – Report: Giants owners could be ‘at odds’ over Pat Shurmur’s fate

Alexander Wilson – The New York Giants could pay their starting right tackle in 2020 only $660K

Giants.com – Fact or Fiction: Predictions for Sunday

Steve Serby – The moments that doomed Pat Shurmur
Kevin Manahan – This former Giants star says he belongs in Hall of Fame

New York Giants: Three Players To Watch In The Season Finale

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New York Giants, Leonard Williams

This Sunday’s matchup will be the New York Giants’ final game of the 2019 NFL season. The 4-11 Giants will see their season come to a close this week against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, who are fighting for a playoff spot.

The Giants are not fighting for much, but a few players are fighting for future roster spots. It is important to keep an eye on a few individual performances with the future in mind. With that being said, here are three players to watch in Week 17:

Leonard Williams

General Manager Dave Gettleman made the controversial decision this season to trade for former-Jets defensive lineman Leonard Williams. Williams was acquired in exchange for the Giants’ 2020 3rd-round pick and the conditional pick in 2021.

Since joining the New York Giants, Leonard Williams has played good football. He has been a productive pass-rusher, generating 16 pressures, 10 quarterback knockdowns, and 6 hurries, despite not getting credit for a single sack. Leonard has also done his part against the run with 21 combined tackles. However, Big Cat is set to be a free agent this offseason and has not yet been involved in extensions talks with the Giants.

Leonard Williams will need to impress in Week 17 to earn a long-term contract with the New York Giants. He has played well since joining Big Blue, but it might be hard to justify paying an interior defensive lineman a lucrative contract. A breakout performance could earn Leonard Williams and extension with the Giants.

Nick Gates

The New York Giants have dealt with injuries and subpar performances along the offensive line throughout the season. In the season’s final game, the Giants will be without their starting right tackle, Mike Remmers. This will thrust undrafted rookie Nick Gates back into the starting lineup.

Nick Gates has started in 2 games this season. He has exceeded all expectations in those 2 games as a starter. Gates has earned a Pro Football Focus grade of 76.9 this season and has allowed only 1 sack in his 215 snaps. He is naturally an offensive guard but has played a fair share of offensive tackle this season, filling in for Mike Remmers against the New York Jets.

The Giants’ offensive line is bound to change this offseason. But Nick Gates has shown flashes of great potential. Another strong performance in Week 17 could earn Nick Gates a chance at a starting role in 2020.

Kaden Smith

Like Nick Gates, Kaden Smith is another undrafted rookie filling in as a starter in Week 17. Kaden Smith has been starting at tight end for the last 5 weeks. The rookie out of Stanford has been impressive during this stretch of games.

Kaden Smith is coming off of a spectacular Week 16 that saw him catch the game-winning touchdown pass in overtime. Kaden caught 6 of his 8 targets for 35 yards and 2 touchdowns, along with multiple critical blocks in the running game. Smith’s run-blocking ability is what separates him from the rest of the tight ends on the Giants’ roster.

With Evan Engram’s future clouded with uncertainty, another impressive outing by Kaden Smith could secure him a roster spot in 2020 (if that hasn’t already been achieved), and could even give him some consideration as the starter next season, too.

The New York Giants could pay their starting right tackle in 2020 only $660K

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New York Giants, Nick Gates

The New York Giants will face off against the Philadelphia Eagles in what will be a pointless game in week 17, for some, but for others, it could be the difference between earning starting money in 2020 or falling into the reserves. For offensive lineman, Nick Gates, he’s fighting for an opportunity to earn a starting spot on the line as right tackle Mike Remmers will inventively depart after his one-year deal expires.

As an undrafted free agent in 2018, Gates was brought to East Rutherford to develop his skills with the hope he would become a contributor down the line.

For Nick, though, he’s only trying to help the team succeed in any way he can, stating:

“I’m an offensive lineman,” Gates told NorthJersey.com. “I’ll play wherever I fit in, whatever spot opens up, and I’ll make the most of it. I’ve learned so much having to adjust to playing in different positions. I came into the league having played exclusively at left tackle, and then I played a little left guard before getting hurt last summer as a rookie. Learning how to play on the right side was really a muscle memory sort of thing, training your mind and body to follow through on the steps, with technique, just everything.”

Injecting Gates into every spot on the offensive line except for center has helped him learn the necessities. He performed well in a limited sample size at right guard and right tackle this year, further proving he can be an asset moving forward for Big Blue.

The New York Giants could stick with their homegrown talent:

If GM Dave Gettleman is confident in his progression, the Giants could easily slide him into the right tackle position, where he would earn a whopping $660K in 2020. Having a quality lineman for that low of a price is incredible, and the Giants would be smart to extend him before he hits the open market, given he proves to be of quality next season. The week 17 matchup against the Eagles, in which Remmers will be inactive, will provide Gates with one more chance to further impress the coaching staff.

New York Giants news, 12/22 – The Giants could keep Mike Remmers in 2020

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New York Giants, Daniel Jones

Good Morning, New York Giants Fans!

The New York Giants’ offensive line has ranked towards the bottom fo the league for consecutive years. After GM Dave Gettleman invested high-value assets into the front five, it was expected that they would take a big step forward in 2020. Establishing Nate Solder at left tackle, Will Hernandez at left guard, Jon Halapio at center, Kevin Zeitler at right guard, and Mike Remmers at right tackle.

Since this construction of this unit, Giants’ quarterbacks have once again resorted to running for their lives as a way to preserve plays and make the most of two seconds in the pocket. For those that are still wondering, this played a significant part in Eli Manning’s reliance on the dump-off game.

However, not many expected Remmers to be a force on the line this year, and while he’s far from great, he’s been serviceable despite undergoing back-surgery last offseason.

Offensive line coach, Hal Hunter, praised Remmers’ abilities on the field, but also his leadership:

“I think after missing all of that time and coming back from that back surgery and he missed all of spring, and then he didn’t practice. We had to hold him out a bunch at camp and everything. I think he’s practiced pretty solid, played pretty solid,” Hunter told reporters.

“I think last week his guy never touched the quarterback. It’s been a long time since he’s given up a sack. The thing that I like about Mike is he’s 303-304, he’s not a giant guy, but he plays with good leverage. What he is, he is so competitive and so tough and it’s so important for him, he just overachieves every time he’s in the game. He’s going to get his job done or die trying.

The Giants are likely going to move on from Remmers, who inked a one-year, $2.5 million deal to prove he could still play in the NFL. They may retain him as offensive line depth, but I can not imagine him earning a starting role in 2020, especially after seeing Nick Gates play the past few weeks.

Nonetheless–

Your top news of the day:

Dan Benton – Giants’ Wayne Gallman mystified over eliminated role

Alexander Wilson – What the New York Giants will be looking at for the next two games

Paul Schwartz – Giants vs. Redskins: Preview, predictions, what to watch for

John Keim – Redskins’ Dwayne Haskins ‘totally different guy’ since first Giants game

New York Giants news, 12/17 – Do the Giants already have their future right tackle on the roster?

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New York Giants, Nick Gates

Good Morning, New York Giants Fans!

When New York Giants right guard Kevin Zeitler was ruled out of last Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins, none expected the offensive line to hold up with their best link missing. However, undrafted free agent Nick Gates filled in valiantly, paving the way for Saquon Barkley’s first 100-yard rushing game since week two of the regulars season.

Gates, who performed well at right tackle when Mike Remmers was out with back soreness, was moved to right guard in this instance, where he played equally as well. He mentioned after the game that playing guard is more preferable since his surroundings are more confined.

Head coach Pat Shurmur advocated for the young offensive lineman, as he stated after the win over Miami:

“Yeah, Nick Gates played well,” Shurmur said. “I think we’ve talked about him kind of on the edges here throughout the year. I think he’s got a bright future. He went in there, stepped in there, played for Zeitler. He’s played a little bit of tackle. I think he’s got a real bright future. He played tough. On one of the scoring plays there, he pulled, cut the edge where Saquon was able to bounce. He’s just a really good football player and I think when he’s given opportunities he performs well.”

Gates emerged as one of the bright spots in week 15 for the New York Giants, and he could earn another chance to prove his worth next weekend against the Washington Redskins. Per PFF, he graded out at 82.1 on the day and didn’t allow a single pressure. He also played an instrumental role in Saquon Barkley’s second touchdown run of the day.

Nonetheless–

Your top news of the day:

John Fennelly: New York Giants: Gettleman finally rears head and is reviled by fans

Matt Citak: What we learned from Giants vs. Dolphins

Mike Rosenstein: NFL insider predicts if Giants will fire Pat Shurmur, Dave Gettleman
Doug Rush: Stock up, down after Giants’ 36-20 victory over Dolphins

Giants.com: Cover 3: Takeaways from Giants vs. Dolphins

New York Giants: 3 reasons Pat Shurmur should be fired after season

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New York Giants, Pat Shurmur

After another loss to the Chicago Bears in week 12, the New York Giants sit at 2-9 on the season and are slotted into the 2nd overall spot in the 2020 NFL Draft. The silver lining is another top-pick, but the lack of execution across the board is consistent, especially in the form of head coach Pat Shurmur’s mistakes.

Here are five reasons the New York Giants should fire Pat Shurmur:

1.) His lack of creativity on offense

When the Giants needed a late score against the Bears in the fourth quarter on Sunday, Daniel Jones and the offense marched down the field and hit pay-dirt, utilizing an up-tempo offense.

Shurmur has seldom used the hurry-up offense to put the opposing defense on its heels. Alternatively, he has continued to operate a predictable scheme, running inside zone runs on first down and creating a second-and-long situation, just to find ways to get his receivers in a position to fall short of the first down marker on third down.

Continuing with this failing system will only hold the offense back. Rookie quarterback Daniel Jones has looked great at times but porous in others, mainly at the expense of the offensive line. Shurmur, though, has not found ways to get the ball into his receiver’s hands, let alone star running back, Saquon Barkley’s. The former 2nd overall pick in the draft was only targeted three times on Sunday.

2.) Time management

There have been countless times Shurmur has completely mismanaged the clock during the 2019 season, but on Sunday, he managed to spend all of his timeouts with four minutes left on the clock. Factor in his inability to run a hurry-up offense down two possessions with five minutes on the board, and you can continue to shake your head at his mishaps.

Shurmur had the offense huddling and running the ball late in the game, instead of increasing the tempo and confusing the Bears defense, which he should have been doing all game. Sunday’s loss is only one of the many examples you can use to break down Shurmur’s poor time management skills, and this should be a significant reason the Giants consider letting him go at the end of the year.

3.) The players aren’t buying into his ideology

The BYE week was full of a whole lot of nothing, as Shurmur didn’t make any coaching changes to supplement his team’s poor performances this season. He also failed to make several personnel changes, including at right tackle where Nick Gates should have been featured. Instead, he plugged Mike Remmers back into his starting role as if the Giants have a chance at competing for a playoff spot. Seeing what Gates has should be a priority at this point in the season.

Aside from his inability to consider the obvious, the players don’t seem to be interested in giving a full effort. Clips of DeAndre Baker and Janoris Jenkins giving up on numerous plays tells a story of zero accountability or discipline and a lack of respect for their head coach, who ultimately has to deal with the carelessness.

The only tough-guy moment Shurmur has during the BYE week was when he turned off the music at practice and stated the team needed to be in the moment, which clearly didn’t work as they were trampled by the Bears in the second half of the game, failing to put any points on the board until the waning moments of the defeat.