The New York Giants selected Bobby Hart from Florida State University in the seventh round of the draft in 2015 and very few imagined him seeing time during his rookie season. Then, Will Beatty was lost for the entire season, Marshall Newhouse dealt with back issues and Geoff Schwartz broke his leg ending his year.
Hart got meaningful playing time and even a few starts in his rookie season and exceeded expectations. Well, after the release of Beatty and Schwartz earlier this month, Hart is penciled in on that starting five. Newhouse is under contract for one more year, but after his season as starting RT, the Giants are most likely looking to upgrade.
The Giants could look to the draft for a starting offensive lineman, but one would think if Jerry Reese is looking to draft a starter, he’d draft them early. If Ronnie Stanley, or miraculously Laremy Tunsil, were available at 10, it would be a serious consideration for the Giants, but defense is clearly a priority.
Reese is more likely to look to free agency for a starting right tackle. The Giants have the cap space to spend on a big name like Mitchell Schwartz, Geoff’s younger brother, the Chargers’ Joe Barksdale. Schwartz was the highest graded right tackle according to Pro Football Focus. Andre Smith’s name has also been in the conversation, but there are some concerns he may be on the decline.
Hart may end up as a starter next season even if it’s not at right tackle. Out of college, Hart projected as a guard and played RG next to Justin Pugh at RT in desperation in 2015.
Depending on who Reese ends up signing or drafting, Hart may still end up as a starter. Is he a viable option at guard or tackle next season? Is Newhouse a better option? Or would Giants fans rather see both out of the starting lineup?