Firstly, let me say that I think Quenton Nelson is a top shelf guard prospect. I am wondering if Gettleman and co could be considering Nelson as a possible LT option.
I think Nelson has the physical tools and was an OT before Notre Dame. In 2007, we replaced Petitgout by moving Diehl to LT. (Interestingly We passed on Joe Staley in the draft). Also Reilly Reiff is more of a mauler than a traditional blindside protector.
Given that Shurmur and Shula we are likely to implement a strong running game emphasis (and bringing back the play action passing for Eli), I think Quenton Nelson could be a good left tackle in that kind of scheme.
The Giants biggest need is as OT. We need at least one solid OT. How we address that need will be interesting. The options for Left Tackles who can impact right away are limited in both the draft and free agency.
Considering the reported likelihood of signing Norwell, our Oline will be stronger. We also have a few options to get another G either in free agency with a guy like Josh Sitton or in the draft with someone like Will Hernandez, Braden Smith or Wyatt Teller.
Looking at other LT options, vets like Solder or trading for Glenn will be expensive, they are solid OTs but both have injury histories. In the draft McGlinchey might be ok at LT but I think he may be more of a RT. The other top LT options are developmental guys like Kolton Miller, Brian O'Neill etc and they will need time before they are ready.
I do think Nelson is a better guard at this point, but I do think he can be a solid LT in our system. The NFL has shown that solid Left Tackles are both hard to find and quite valuable. If you consider Nelson as potential LT, does that make him a stronger candidate for the Giants (removing the positional value question)?
It wouldn't be unlike how Coughlin liked to build his DL from the middle out.
his secret is that he's big into martial arts and many of the techniques cross over.
His biggest advantage is when he aggressively engages a defender right at the snap; a tackle retreats slightly and waits for the DE to engage first. Nelson can get leverage on a bull rusher and stop him cold. It's very impressive.
Might Nelson make the transition to tackle where he waits for engagement first, yeah probably. But right now he's a guy who can completely shut down a nose tackle. That's where all the special talk is coming from.
I do believe he played some tackle at ND. Not sure on how good his kick slide is but he stones people in pass pro from his LG position. It is a thing of beauty.
"Hey, this guy has Hall of Fame potential at guard."
"Great! Let's move him to a different position!"
Remember that when OJ Simpson was drafted by the Bills, HC John Rauch had him playing wide receiver. Rauch outsmarted himself. Sometimes it's best to, you know, not fuck with things.
There isn't just one biggest need. They had a bad OL last year.
Right now they don't even have an OL whatsoever.
Sy i know you like Smith and possibly even Wynn over Nelson. Will they all be in your top 15 players?
That would be far too risky to the players and coaches.