trey adams

New York Giants: 2 tackle prospects to consider in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft

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New York Giants, Austin Jackson

The New York Giants hold the 4th overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft, and with Clemson standout linebacker, Isaiah Simmons, on the board, there’s a high probability GM Dave Gettleman looks no further.

However, there is the chance that the Giants trade back a few slots to acquire more draft capital from a QB-needy time like the Chargers or Dolphins. In this scenario, let’s assume that Gettleman picks Simmons, and he plans to utilize his second-round pick on an offensive tackle.

Here are two prospects the New York Giants should look into:

1.) Austin Jackson – OT, USC

At 6-6, 305 pounds, Jackson is a massive human being with a 1-2 round projection. If he falls to pick 36 for Big Blue, he should be their selection without hesitation. The upcoming draft is packed full of tackle options, which makes Jackson sliding to the second round very possible.

Scouts have stated that Jackson is a fantastic athlete with quick feet and agility. His ability to move and bend at the knee level enables good leverage and positioning. His athleticism has compensated for his fundamental mistakes at times, but that’s something that can be ironed out at the next level. Having a good grasp of the fundamentals and the athleticism to accompany it makes him an intriguing player and an excellent option for the Giants who need to plug the left tackle position. Nate Solder had a poor 2019 campaign and could be moved over the right tackle if the Giants are willing to give Jackson a chance on the left side.

2.) Trey Adams – OT, Washington

If you thought Austin Jackson was big, Trey Adams takes it to another level at 6-7, 334 pounds. As a 1-3 round projection, Adams is a bit rawer than Jackson with his fundamentals, but he has incredible mobility for his size.

Adams did a great job of protecting Jacob Eason last season, opening up holes of attack in the running game, and ensuring Eason wasn’t put under too much pressure. Inconsistencies have hurt Adams at times, but if he can bunker down and develop further, there’s no reason he can’t be a quality starter for the Giants moving forward.

In the scenario that both Jackson and Adams are on the board, the former would be the better pick, but don’t rule out Adams from climbing the draft boards after his interviews and combine visit. Durability remains a concern for Adams, who missed a big chunk of 2018 with a back injury.

Two massive offensive lineman the New York Giants could target in 2020 NFL Draft

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New York Jets, Mekhi Becton

With the 2020 NFL Draft creeping up on us, the New York Giants have already begun their player evaluations and breakdowns of their most pressing needs. Aside from the defensive holes they must fill this offseason, the offensive line remains a problematic unit, lead by the overpaid Nate Solder at left tackle.

Solder had a lackluster 2019 campaign, and it might have cost him his spot on the line. However, his contract indicates that he will remain with the Giants next season ($19.5 million cap hit, $13 million dead cap hit if cut). Retaining him seems like the only logical decision, but the Giants could elect to swap him over to right tackle, where they can draft a young player to fill the void on the left side.

Here are two offensive tackles the New York Giants should look at:

1.) Mekhi Becton

Coming in at 6-foot-7, 369 pounds is Louisville slugger, Mekhi Becton. The Junior tackle is rated as one of the best options available in the upcoming draft, thanks to his incredible size and mobility.

Becton’s stock has continued to rise, especially after NFL.com analyst, Daniel Jeremiah, mocked him to the Giants with the 4th overall pick. Most didn’t consider him a 4th overall talent, but his ceiling justifies the logic.

The reality is, the Giants are keen on upgrading their run-game, and it starts with the offensive line. Saquon Barkley is one of the most versatile backs in the NFL, and giving him a solid front-five to block must be a priority. If GM Dave Gettleman is ready to take his own advice, we should expect some significant changes on the line this offseason.

Becton fits the “hog molly” role perfectly, displaying incredible power and mobility for his size. Moving defenders out of his way and pushing them into oblivion is his trademark, but he also has a solid base and anchors well in pass protection.

2.) Trey Adams

While Adams doesn’t have the 369-pound frame Becton possesses, he’s an athletic tackle that excels in run-blocking. While his pass-blocking could use some work, his ability to get to the second level and move linebackers out of the way is a trait that would improve the run-game for the Giants.

Adams’s injury history is his biggest turnoff. Suffering a torn ACL in 2017 and sitting out most of 2018 with a back injury have hurt his development, but he made it through 2019 completely healthy, which is a good sign as he enters the NFL Draft. When healthy, Adams is a top-flight tackle prospect, and one the Giants could probably land in the second round. Keep an eye on him as the draft nears.

New York Giants: 3 offensive line talents to watch at Senior Bowl

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New York Giants, Josh Jones, Houston

As the New York Giants and new head coach Joe Judge begin the tumultuous process of evaluating college talent in preparation for the 2020 NFL Draft, it’s important to note that the Senior Bowl is an essential factor in the process.

The Giants have heavily invested in Senior Bowl talent the past few years, and the new regime will not deter from the team’s frequent appearance. Newly hired offensive coordinator and Judge will surely be in attendance for the game, especially when it comes to several offensive linemen that could spring the ears of some.

Here are three offensive linemen the New York Giants should look out for:

1.) Trey Adams (Washington)

Adams is a fantastic run-blocker but has struggled in pass protection at times during college. His ability to get to the second level has been a positive attribute for him, thanks to a mean streak that comes alive in the midst of battle. At 6-foot-8, 318 pounds, Adams is a massive body that could be worth a good look, and if he’s available in the second round of the draft, the Giants might take a similar approach to the drafting of Will Hernandez. Adams could theoretically start right way at one of the tackle positions, but it’s best that have a reliable veteran in place just in case. Having suffered a torn ACL and severe back injury while at Washington, Adams could fall down the boards a bit, which could be a positive thing for the Giants.

2.) Prince Tega Wanogho (Auburn)

As one of the more raw prospects in the Senior Bowl, Wanagho represents a great developmental offensive lineman, fitting into zone-blocking schemes primarily. His size, at 6-foot-7, 305 pounds, makes him an exciting option in the middle rounds, and adding young offensive lineman can never hurt.

3.) Josh Jones (Houston)

At 6-foot-7, 310 pounds, Jones has ideal size for a left tackle, and after a stellar performance in 2019 with Houston, he could be a top option on teams’ draft boards.

Jones anchored the LT position despite his team’s 4-8 record last season. He played an integral part in generating great push up front for the Houston offense, but their lack of play-makers was troublesome for their production. With Nate Solder proving to be a liability at left tackle, the Giants could be in the market for a new one, and Jones could be a decent option in the early-mid rounds of the draft.