NFL Free Agents The Giants Should Target
By Neal Lynch
OFFENSIVE LINE
Mitchell Schwartz (RT, Cleveland Browns)
2015 Cap Hit: $1,645,267
- 26 years old
The former second rounder has started in every game he’s played over his four-year career at right tackle. Cleveland tallied 40 first downs on the ground when rushing behind Schwartz on the right side, which is tied for 6th most in the league. Additionally, the Browns had 21 carries of 10 yards or more running to Mitchell’s side, which is good enough for 6th best overall.
However, the most impressive and tantalizing stat about Schwartz is the Browns “rush power” rating on the right side of the line; 3rd best in the league. Rush power is defined by the NFL as “Percentage of rushes on 3rd or 4th down with 2 or fewer yards to go that achieved a first down or TD. Also includes rushes on 1st-and-goal and 2nd-and-goal from the opponent’s 2-yard line or closer”. Cleveland had an 86% rating.
Cordy Glenn (T, Buffalo Bills)
2015 Cap Hit: $1,548,012
- 26 years old
Cordy’s got the number two spot on the Pro Football Focus list of top 10 offensive free agents and #5 on NFL.com’s top 20 unrestricted free agents. The former second rounder has started in every game he’s suited up for over his four-year career. Buffalo led the league in total rushing yards, yards per carry average, and rushing touchdowns. They also led the league in carries of 10 yards or more to Glenn’s side and were second in the league in rushing first downs.
Andre Smith (T, Cincinnati Bengals)
2015 Cap Hit: $6,362,500
- 28 years old
Doesn’t Andre the Giant sound nice? The seven-year vet was rated as the 16th best unrestricted free agent according to NFL.com, but has missed 9 games over the past two seasons. The Giants can probably get someone younger who’s just as talented for less. See Schwartz and Glenn.
Russell Okung (T, Seattle Seahawks)
2015 Cap Hit: $7,280,000
- 28 years old
NFL.com placed Okung at #11 on their list of top 20 unrestricted free agents despite the 2012 Pro Bowler having never completed a full season. The former first found pick has missed 20+ games in his 6 year career. Like I mentioned with Andre Smith, there are better, more affordable, more dependable options (e.g. Schwartz, Glenn).
Kelvin Beachum (T, Pittsburgh Steelers)
2015 Cap Hit: $1,553,474
- 26 years old
Pro Football Focus ranked Beachum as the 5th best offensive free agent and got an honorable mention from NFL.com. The former 7th rounder missed the final 10 games of the 2015 season because of a torn ACL. As someone who’s torn an ACL (and a meniscus), that injury alone would be enough for me to look elsewhere.
Kelechi Osemele (G, Baltimore Ravens)
2015 Cap Hit: $1,064,595
- 26 years old
Osemele is the third best offensive free agent as rated by Pro Football Focus. PFF also named Osemele to their All-Pro team in 2014. Kelechi hasn’t started a full season since his rookie year in 2012.
Donald Penn (T, Oakland Raiders)
2015 Cap Hit: $5,400,000
- 32 years old
Pro Football Focus ranked DP as the 7th best tackle in the league and the 6th best offensive free agent to hit the market. The nine-year vet and one-time Pro Bowler has started all 16 games the past 8 seasons.
Evan Mathis (G, Denver Broncos)
2015 Cap Hit: $2,921,875
- 34 years old
The 2-time Pro Bowler & 1-time First-Team All-Pro is the 7th best offensive free agent according to Pro Football Focus. Mathis had a great stretch from 2011-2013 with the Eagles but has missed a lot of games in his 11-year career.
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