The Giants need help on the offensive line, but they may have to acquire that help sooner rather than later this offseason.
One of the major storylines through the first six weeks or so of the 2017 NFL Draft run-up season: This is not a particularly strong year for offensive line prospects, especially tackles. ESPN’s Mel Kiper hammered that point home Wednesday in his second mock draft of the year.
Kiper projects Tennessee defensive end Derek Barnett as the Giants’ pick at No. 23, and he passes over his previous projected Giants pick – Wisconsin tackle Ryan Ramczyk – in the process. Here’s Kiper’s explanation for the change:
If you’re shocked this isn’t an offensive tackle, I don’t think you’ll be surprised by the end of April when you’ve heard plenty about the blocking talent in this class. Barnett has been tremendously productive as a pass-rusher, and even if Jason Pierre-Paul is back, the Giants could use the help. If he’s not, then a pass-rusher is a must.
Kiper is correct about the Giants needing pass rush help no matter what happens with Pierre-Paul in free agency. As this site pointed out when Bleacher Report projected Barnett to the Giants earlier this month: The Giants had 35 sacks as a team in 2016 (tied for 14th in the NFL), but Olivier Vernon and Pierre-Paul combined for 15.5 of those sacks.
Moreover, the Giants’ defensive backs had over four times more combined sacks (eight) than reserve defensive ends Owa Odighizuwa, Romeo Okwara and Kerry Wynn, who had 1.5 together. The Giants need more pass rush production in 2017. Especially if Pierre-Paul goes elsewhere, but even if he is back.
Kiper’s point about the offensive line, though, is the key takeaway from his latest mock as far as the Giants are concerned. There are three offensive tackles considered likely first-round picks – Utah’s Garett Bolles, Alabama’s Cam Robinson and Ramczyk. Bolles has ascended to OT1 status for most media outlets in recent weeks. Given the dearth of tackle depth in the draft, there’s a strong chance at least one tackle, if not more, will be off the board before the Giants pick (and there’s no guarantee a rookie would even give them what they need in the first place).
That means the Giants’ best bet to address their clear need at the tackle position is likely through free agency or a trade. Their options are not much more plentiful there, though – especially if they make the decision to move Ereck Flowers from the left tackle spot.
Cincinnati’s Andrew Whitworth seems a perfect fit for the Giants if they want a new left tackle, but there’s no guarantee they will be able to sign him. The rest of the left tackle options set to hit the market are underwhelming. Cleveland’s Joe Thomas and San Francisco’s Joe Staley are potential trade targets, but the Giants may not be willing to pay the necessary price to acquire the veteran stars.
There are more right tackle options available in free agency – Baltimore’s Ricky Wagner and Detroit’s Riley Reiff lead the way – but keeping Flowers at left tackle may not be a sustainable option. Trying to move an established right tackle to the left side is not a sound strategy, either.
The Giants need to add to their offensive line this spring. It’s an area of clear need. It won’t be easy, though, and given the outlook of this year’s draft class, the Giants probably have to get the job done well before they’re on the clock.
TALK IS CHEAP: The JPP decision looms; what should Giants do? Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play, Soundcloud or iHeartRadio. James Kratch may be reached at jkratch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JamesKratch. Find our Giants coverage on Facebook.
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