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 cheap jerseys 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 wholesale jerseys 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.
Those tackles, though, are not considered anywhere near on par with last year's crop of Jack Conklin, Ronnie Stanley and Laremy Tunsil, who were all top 13 picks. Kiper Wholesale NFL Jerseys Cheap Free Shipping doesn't have a tackle being selected in his mock until Bolles, who goes at No. 20 to the Broncos.
5 takeaways from Kiper's latest mock
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 wholesale nfl jerseys 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 must 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.
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 cheap jerseys 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 wholesale jerseys 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.
Those tackles, though, are not considered anywhere near on par with last year's crop of Jack Conklin, Ronnie Stanley and Laremy Tunsil, who were all top 13 picks. Kiper Wholesale NFL Jerseys Cheap Free Shipping doesn't have a tackle being selected in his mock until Bolles, who goes at No. 20 to the Broncos.
5 takeaways from Kiper's latest mock
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 wholesale nfl jerseys 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 must 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.