Does anyone else feel like this pick is flying under the radar? It seems that because a bunch of draft sites had other lineman ranked ahead of him he’s not that good of a pick.
Yet the Giants clearly thought he was a valuable pick. They could have traded the pick but didn’t. They could have picked Flott there but didn’t. They have lemieux and guys they brought in so could have waited on a guard but didn’t.
Ezeudu was clearly the best lineman on NC, versatile with good feet. Sure there are things he can improve on but his feet are good and he’s going to get stronger.
He’s starting this week at LG (I know they say it doesn’t mean anything but it does).
I can’t wait to see where he starts on the depth chart and where he finishes training camp. If he’s going to be a good player, that will go miles to improving this line.
Probably the guy I’m most focused on right now. Anyone else?
Especially on a team in rebuild mode. If it’s a tie, Josh will be getting the nod. He’s going to be a better pass blocker than Lemieux, and it seems like the giants value that more than run blocking.
One thing about Ezeudu that intrigued me personally, is that he brings a different skill set to LG than Lemieux. He plays well on the move and will bring some athleticism there.
In 2020 Shane really excelled on gap runs in tight space, whereas Ezeudu seems to project more of a zone type guy.
Obviously it's going to hinge on the development (and health) for both of these guys on who is going to win playing time in the regular season -- but all things being equal I think they win in different ways.
Super interested to see how it plays out, especially from a scheme perspective.
Peart suffered a significant injury late in the year...he's a non factor anywhere. Don't be surprised if they come to an injury settlement during final cuts.
No reason this guy can't win the guard spot, its not like anyone else we have there is any good
I may be wrong, but I think wherever you put someone on the Giants' OL they're next to either Thomas or Glowinski :)
Security guard maybe. I doubt he'd be good at that even.
Quote:
should they give him a shot at guard
Security guard maybe. I doubt he'd be good at that even.
ooof!
Still the Giants were very smart to load up on veteran interior linemen so they don’t have to throw a rookie in there to start the season. Worst case, the vets start the season since they already have been trained in pro pass blocking and handling stunts. Best case, Ezeudu wins the starting job and the Giants can trade a vet or two and pick up Day 3 draft picks from Linemen-starved teams.
Unless they missed big time on one of the prospects I think the first 6 picks will start or at minimum get a ton of playing time.
Quote:
should they give him a shot at guard
Peart suffered a significant injury late in the year...he's a non factor anywhere. Don't be surprised if they come to an injury settlement during final cuts.
Bobby Skinner (I think that is his name) did some film analysis of Ezeudu. He showed at least one example where Ezeudu was lined up at tackle and then Guard - in the same drive! That is a lot of resposibilty I would assume.
Now, I am not sure that will make him a good player at a pro-level but he at least seems to have enough mental capacity to know his assigments for both positions during the same game. I think he will be 1 of our starting guards eventually. I like the pick - we will see.