Jan 2, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Brandon Scherff (68) gets ready to block Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Chris Weatherd (42) in the first quarter of the 2015 TaxSlayer Bowl at EverBank Field. The Tennessee Volunteers beat the Iowa Hawkeyes 45-28. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports
1. Brandon Scherff, OT (Iowa)
Their best option is Brandon Scherff, the versatile offensive linemen from Iowa. The only player I would even consider drafting before Scherff, if he were still available, would be defensive linemen Leonard Williams from USC. There is no way Williams makes it past the fourth overall pick, he is hands down the best player in the draft and would be the sure fire #1 pick if it weren’t for Tampa Bay’s burning need for a quarterback.
Scherff would instantly come in and start at either guard or tackle as the offensive line needs to be upgraded if the Giants plan on being a contender this season. If the Iowa product was to play tackle then it would be on the right side. This would shift starting right tackle Justin Pugh inside to one of the guard spots and displace John Jerry, who started all 16 games for the G-Men last year and all 16 games in 2012 and 2013 as a member of the Miami Dolphins. If Scherff were to play guard then again Jerry would be the one moved to the bench and the Giants would find themselves with at least one quality reserve lineman . Though Jerry has started his last 49 NFL contests (dating back to 2011) he may be better suited as a reserve, as his run blocking was problematic in 2014. He would provide insurance for guard Geoff Schwartz who battled injury last season and played in only 2 games. Jerry has also played left and right tackle since being drafted in the 3rd round of the 2010 draft.
There is also the chance that the Scherff would need to shuffle positions along the line, in the event of multiple injuries to starters. Versatile players have proven unbelievably valuable in the recent past for New York. Players have switched positions for the Giants in the past. Players like Mathias Kiwanuka switched from defensive end to linebacker and back to defensive end on an annual basis. Antrel Rolle spent time at corner when injuries hit the secondary, David Diehl played both tackle and guard positions during his Giant’s career. Even Bear Pascoe, the blocking specialist tight end proved to be a heavily underrated fullback when Henry Hynoski went down. And lets not forget Justin Tuck’s outstanding ability to move from defensive end to defensive tackle. The versatility of Scherff could go a long way to building the future for the Giants.
Next: A Physically Imposing Defensive Tackle