More On: andrew thomas
Giants could do so much with a bogus playoff spot
Saquon Barkley debacle puts pressure on Giants’ offensive line
The Giants signs of hope that could prevent disastrous season
5 Giants not named Jones or Barkley who need to come up big
Daniel Jones’ offense struggles in ‘decent’ Giants scrimmage
The first question. Tackle or not? The second question: If it is a tackle, which one? Unless the Giants pull another first-round stunner in the NFL draft — was it really only a year ago they snagged Daniel Jones at No. 6? — it stands to reason they will be unable to trade down, will …
The first question. Tackle or not?
The second question: If it is a tackle, which one?
Unless the Giants pull another first-round stunner in the NFL draft — was it really only a year ago they snagged Daniel Jones at No. 6? — it stands to reason they will be unable to trade down, will sit tight at No. 4 and take an offensive tackle or multifaceted linebacker Isaiah Simmons. On the outside, there are those firmly entrenched in the Simmons camp and a horde of others demanding immediate help for the offensive line.
Either course of action makes sense but for now, it seems as if general manager Dave Gettleman is adamant about providing protection and insurance for Saquon Barkley and Jones. It was Gettleman who made the investment in these two offensive components and not fully supplying them with help makes little sense.
If it is offensive tackle, the Giants should have their pick of their top-rated player in a year where there is no consensus No. 1, with an array of opinions that range from 1, 2, 3, 4 to 4, 3, 2, 1 and everywhere in between.
Some like Tristan Wirfs (Iowa) best. Others are taken with Jedrick Wills (Alabama). There is support for massive Mekhi Becton (Louisville). There is a bit of a split on Andrew Thomas (Georgia). Shaun O’Hara, the former Giants center, believes Thomas and Wills are the top two tackles and the Giants should take Wills. So does David Diehl, the starting left tackle on the past two Giants’ Super Bowl teams. Daniel Jeremiah, the NFL Network draft analyst, views Thomas clearly as fourth in line.
“I have three guys up there,’’ Jeremiah said, “and then I have a little bit of a gap.’’
There is no gap, some say.
“I prefer Wirfs, but if Thomas was taken [by the Giants] it wouldn’t bother me,’’ Dan Shonka, general manager and national scout for Ourlads Scouting Services, told The Post. “He’s one of the two best tackles in this draft. I talk to a lot of offensive line coaches out there and a lot of those guys like Thomas.’’
There are similarities and differences and widespread disagreement. Generally, most agree Wirfs is the most athletic, Thomas the most ready to step in and play left tackle right away in the NFL, Wills the most ready to start at right tackle and that the monstrously sized Becton has the greatest upside but also represents the greatest risk.
Even here, there is divergence.
“Becton is my top player,’’ Jeremiah said. “God didn’t make many like this. I mean, he is the definition of a freak.’’
The Giants might not want to gamble in any way with this pick and that could steer them away from Becton, who has technique flaws. Plus, Becton reportedly had his drug test flagged at the NFL Scouting Combine.
The case for Wills: He is already an accomplished pass protector, he has excellent, violent hands and keeps his feet balanced. Joe Judge, a former Alabama assistant, will know everything he needs to know about Wills. He is probably less-suited to make the move to left tackle than Thomas. If for some reason Wills is not great at right tackle, scouts believe he could move inside to guard and be a Pro Bowler.
The case for Thomas: He looks the part, with long arms and he is technically very sound. He allowed only one sack in 2019 and on film his dominance in the run game shows up. His lower body is not huge and needs to add strength, though.
Submit questions on your favorite New York teams to be answered in an upcoming mailbag
The case for Wirfs: He was a state-champion wrestler and that athleticism shows up. He wowed everyone at the combine, moving wonderfully with his thick, powerful legs. There are those who see his future at guard and he might be a great one, so there is no real risk that he will be a bust.
The case for Becton: Take a look at him. At 6-foot-7 and 364 pounds, it takes the entire play clock to get around him. If he improves his hand movements and harnesses his physical gifts he will be something special. Some scouts worry if he is this big this young, how durable will he be?
Shonka believes the Giants will take either Wirfs or Thomas and he is the bigger believer in Wirfs, but not by much.
“He’s clearly the number one offensive tackle,’’ Shonka said. “He’s got violence in his game. He threw wrestlers around like they were rag dolls. He’s not Lawrence Taylor tough, but he’s a tough guy.’’
Four tackles, one choice.
