Giants Off-Season Profile II: Drafting O-Linemen

Dec 31, 2013; El Paso, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Xavier Su

In the first article of this series, we spoke about the woeful state of state the Giants’ offensive line and some potential free agents that could help cure the ills.  But free agency isn’t the only answer to the problem — player development is key.  The NFL draft is an integral avenue towards the success of every Super Bowl winning team.   This year’s draft is chock full of prospects, and a handful of them will be players of prominence within just a few years of hitting the NFL gridiron.

Since most of the draft prospects have not yet had their pro day’s, there is still potential for names to trend both up and down draft boards in the coming weeks.  Certain names like Jake Matthews and Greg Robinson will be heard early on May 8th, but those two guys will be long gone by the time the Giants pick at #12.  Fortunately, this draft is very deep. Let’s shed some light on three names you should know in the Jints relative round one range:

Michigan OT Taylor Lewan – Lewan was a major surprise at the combine posting a 4.87 forty time and 29 reps of 225lbs.  That’s a strong dude who can absolutely move.  All of his characteristics were strong heading into the combine, and with his showing he certainly will continue to rise.  Lewan would fill a hole at LT from day one for the Giants if he were drafted.

Notre Dame OT Zach Martin – I had projected Martin to the G-men in our first mock prior to Super Bowl week. The Kid’s versatility is his best asset. With so much uncertainty heading into next season for the offensive line, that’s what the Giants need right now.

UCLA OG Xavier Su’a-Filo – Filo is really projected as a late first round pick, but all Giants fans should be informed about him.  He is the most NFL ready player from a stout UCLA offensive line; in fact, the UCLA offensive line would have fared better than the Jints unit from last season.  Su’a-Filo is a very mature and powerful kid who also possesses the ability to play multiple positions.