As part of the preview of The Post’s 2021 NFL draft, we examine what the Giants could do in each position. Sunday: offensive line.
The Giants took an offensive attack, Andrew Thomas, with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Could they be linebackers again this year in the first round, at No. 11? Surely they could do it, although at the moment it doesn’t seem to be their top priority. Of course, if Penei Sewell, of Oregon, falls for them (he won’t), that priority will change. The other option to ponder is Rashawn Slater, from the Northwest, who many explorers see moving inside to be a killer guard. Slater, if available, should be seriously considered, as it has great positional flexibility and can be installed immediately at the right point. Is Christian Darrisaw (Virginia Tech) the 11th choice? That could be a scope.
The Giants got three offensive line players in last year’s draft and all three are in the plans. Shane Lemieux is scheduled to start in one of the guard positions and this coaching staff is very much facing Matt Peart, who will be given the first shot at the right starting position. Reducing Kevin Zeitler to create wage cap space means there is no proven guard on the list; remember, this staff included Will Hernandez.
In terms of depth, the Giants have faced it with the return of Nate Solder, a veteran and former left-back who should provide experienced and capable backup support at both attack points, unless he really outperforms Peart. and earn the proper attack job. Nick Gates seems safe as the starting center. Jonotthan Harrison has 42 NFL starts, most in the center, and 84 games played, signed for insurance at the home line. Other than that, there isn’t much depth proven. It will be a surprise if the Giants don’t take an offensive line with one of their first three picks.