NFL Free Agency 2016: Top 6 Remaining Free Agents New York Giants Should Target
By Neal Lynch
After nabbing four of the top 18 free agents on the first day of NFL free agency with Janoris Jenkins, Damon Harrison, Jason Pierre-Paul, and Olivier Vernon, the New York Giants have only made one more acquisition since, linebacker Keenan Robinson. Giants beat reporters have hinted the spending spree isn’t over, but so far, it’s been relatively quiet. Russell Okung visited, but doesn’t appear to be into Big Blue and, if I’m Jerry Reese, I pass on the injury-riddled tackle. There was a rumor that James Laurinaitis was going to visit, but the Giants had no knowledge of said drop-in. So, which of the top remaining free agents should the Giants target? Let’s take a look.
Ryan Schraeder – OT, Atlanta Falcons
Age: 28
The Atlanta Falcons right tackle just finished his first full season in the league, playing more than 1,100 snaps and earning a grade of 87 from Pro Football Focus. He also garnered an approximate value of 8 according to Pro Football Reference while Pro Football Focus named Schraeder a first-team All-Pro. Even before the 2015 season, Michael Mountford of PFF called Ryan a “secret superstar“. Two months ago, Matt Claassen ranked Schraeder the 8th best free agent on the offensive line, noting:
"“He built upon that success this season to finish with the second-highest overall grade at right tackle after Schwartz. He had just two negatively-graded games in pass protection, with one coming against Houston, where he surrendered (only) one sack and two hurries to J.J. Watt. His 97.2 pass-blocking efficiency this season was second among tackles only to perennial All-Pro Joe Thomas.”"
Ryan also made PFF’s list of top breakout players last season.
WalterFootball.com ranked Schraeder as the 21st top free agent overall and the second best free agent tackle behind Cordy Glenn, who was franchised by the Buffalo Bills.
"“Ryan Schraeder has emerged as one of the NFL’s top right tackles. He’s an exceptional pass protector. Just 28 in May, he still has at least four strong years remaining.”"
How is he still available? Because he’s a restricted free agent. If the Falcons don’t make Schraeder an offer, he becomes an unrestricted free agent. Problem is Atlanta “tendered” their emerging star for one year at $2.553 million, meaning if the Giants were serious about signing Ryan, they’d have to match or exceed that offer and give up a second round draft pick. Worth it? YES!
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