NFL.com Analyst Says This Player is Giants' Best Option at No. 6
The New York Giants' choices in the first round of the upcoming draft seem to boil down to one of quarterback (the favorite) or receiver, but NFL.com draft analyst Adam Rank believes the Giants at six.
"I feel like they have three big needs: quarterback, wide receiver, and offensive line, which is why I would go with Joe Alt," Rank said during an appearance on NFL Total Access.
"Andrew Thomas plays there, but to me, this is a very similar situation to what the Texans were in. It's like you really need to rebuild that offensive line. I know that in the off-season, they spent some resources building that offensive line...but listen, don't serve me Sbarro and tell me it's New York-style. Get serious about the offensive line position. I don't care if Alt's gotta play inside at guard or if he's the right tackle, but you gotta get clue chip prospects on that offensive line."
At the core, Rank's argument about the offensive line has merit because while the unit looks improved on paper, that won't be determined until the pads go on. But his verbalizing of his reasoning seems to be all over the place.
For one, the Giants are not moving or replacing Andrew Thomas, arguably their best offensive lineman (and one they signed to a monster extension last summer). And secondly, Alt was primarily a left tackle at Notre Dame. Does drafting a guy at six make sense if you plan to move him to a different position or side?
This isn't to suggest that Alt couldn't make the switch, nor is this to suggest the Giants should stand pat on the offensive line. However, with the offensive tackle class this year so deep, if the Giants wanted to get another offensive tackle, why not get one later in the draft to develop, knowing that you have Jermaine Eluemunor, who can kick outside to right tackle if incumbent Evan Neal should struggle again?
Giants general manager Joe Schoen told reporters during the combine that the team still needs to address several needs. While he invested heavily in the offensive line, the Giants could still probably use a Day 3 offensive tackle prospect.
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