If the Giants can make a big splash at center next year it will go a long way towards improving the offense. I'm not saying it's more important than adding an OT or passrusher (or QB for those of you convinced that neither Eli nor Lauletta is the answer), but it can be easier to find. Is there a center that a projects to be a premium pick in next year's draft (i.e, worthy of a 1st or 2nd round pick)? Perhaps there's a top college OG who projects to OC, because none of the names at the center position appear in any draftnik's top 60 at this point in the process.
Free agency is even harder to project because anyone worth their salt is likely to be re-signed, but sometimes cap considerations make it possible. Mitch Morse on KC and Nick Easton of Minnesota are in their contract years (with Easton having the advantage of having played in Shurmur's offense). Ali Marpet is an OG with Tampa who can also play center (supposedly). I loved him in the draft, but he's a former 2nd round pick who the Bucs will want back.
Of course money talks and bullshit walks and since none of the three I mentioned will be franchise-tag-worthy, they may want to see what the open market offers before agreeing to anything with their current teams.
They'll be guards available that are late 1st and 2nd round worthy, and RG is as much of a need for us as center. Omameh is pretty bad (putting it mildly).
Rather build the OL through the draft than commit FA dollars there.
Bummer!
He can play OT and G as well. Almost every mock draft has him going in the 1st round. Many have him as the 3rd or 4th OL off the board. If Risner is on the board for the Giants in round 2 he would be a fantastic pick. The Giants are desperate for a versatile player like him.
Look at the drafts:
2012- RB (round 1)
2013- G (round 1)
2014- C (round 2)
2015- Strong Safety (round 2 + another pick)
2016- SLOT WR (round 2)
2017- SLOT WR/TE Hybrid (round 1)
2018- RB/G (round 1 and 2)
I'm not saying that some of these weren't the right call. For example, we absolutely nailed the first two 2018 picks. I just can't help but look back and think, couldn't they have found some of these answers later in the draft?
The game is won in the trenches. Reese didn't seem to get this.
In comment 14134977 Samiam said:
Up to what round Sy? I know gems can be found in any round, but iyo, how many rounds do you forecast as rather strong or simply good in Cs?
The game is won in the trenches. Reese didn't seem to get this.
In comment 14134977 Samiam said:
Quote:
Should have gone with Ramzyk (sp?). The Giants could have gotten a decent to good TE much later in the draft, I’m beginning to think Shepard was a mistake also. If there was a decent OL, we could have had a pretty good OL and good slot receivers are also available later in the draft. We’ve wasted premium picks behind a crap OL
If Engrams catch rate didn't suck, he would have been a good pick. Also, if Macadoo didn't wear a disguise, we might have ended up with Mahomes there. Shepard was absolutely a mistake. I am looking forward to a real #2, with size, next year. Plenty to be had in the NFL or draft. C as a FA, RG and RT in the draft or trade.
Comforting to know.