New York Giants Draft Day 3 Preview: 13 Best Remaining Prospects

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

1. Christian Westerman – G, Arizona State Sun Devils

Westerman received a draft grade of 5.82, which means “Could become early NFL starter”. Christian was the top performer in the bench press among offensive linemen at the scouting combine. Draft analyst compared Westerman to Alex Mack, adding:

"“Quick-­twitch, athletic guard who comes from a football family and has been working on his strength and athleticism from a young age. Offensive line coaches will appreciate Westerman’s technical savvy and zone scheme teams will covet his fluidity and blocking ability on the move. A move to center is not out of the question thanks to his body type and quickness and his draft stock may be helped by a potential ability to offer roster depth at several offensive line positions.”"

NFL Media analyst Charles Davis called Westerman an “instant-impact” rookie, noting:

"“Westerman is a classic brawler at guard. He’s a tough player. I like his fight and his grit. I think he’ll be a guy who can start pretty early. He led all combine participants with 34 reps on the bench press.”"

Our very own Chris Scwarz made the case for Westerman a few days before the Draft.

NFLMocks writer Shawn Spencer wrote the following about Westerman in his scouting report:

"“Christian Westerman is a developmental guard in a zone blocking scheme who wins with his vision and ability to reach the second level of the defense. Does not possess the size or lateral quickness to succeed in a power scheme… He is a much better pass protector than run blocker, so teams with pass-heavy offenses will likely have him higher on the board than teams that like to keep the ball on the ground.”"

2. Vadal Alexander – G/T, LSU Tigers

Alexander scored a draft grade of 5.52, which means “Backup or eventual starter”. Analyst Lance Zierlein compared Vadal to current Giants guard John Jerry, adding:

"“Teams will no doubt be intrigued by Alexander’s length, size and power, but this year should have proved that his only position in the pros is at guard and that his lack of athleticism could limit which teams will consider him in the draft. Alexander has enough power in tight quarters to win one­-on-­one battles, but his lack of balance and functional footwork will diminish his success rate as a block finisher. It might be Alexander’s best interest to lean down in an attempt to improve his quickness and overall body control if he is to become a consistent, NFL player.”"

Draft analyst Chad Reuter believes Alexander will be a better pro than a college player. Senior analyst Gil Brandt said of Vadal, “Alexander gets the job done. He’s a wide man, and his lack of speed doesn’t show in his playing.”

NFLMocks analyst Joe Wedra had this to say about Alexander in his scouting report:

"“Alexander has tremendous size for a position on the interior of an NFL offensive line… unexpected athleticism when getting out to the second level. He’s no freakish athlete, but he’s not terribly limited with his current abilities… he’ll need to improve on attacking defensive lineman at the point of attack instead letting them get the first step edge… you’d like to see a bit more ability to adjust on the fly and make quick decisions on the interior. He shows the upside with athleticism, but a focal point for next-level training will undoubtedly be short-area movements and adjustments.”"

3. Jerald Hawkins – T, LSU Tigers

Hawkins scored a draft grade of 5.52, which means “Backup or eventual starter”. Lance Zierlein has Hawkins going in the fourth round, and compared him to former Arizona Cardinals lineman Bobby Massie, adding:

"“Hawkins is a tough evaluation because the length and footwork in pass protection are promising, but issues with bend and body control may be difficult to correct. Hawkins has talent, but his ceiling might be tied directly to whether a team allows him to sit while an offensive line coach works to correct the technical flaws that limit his effectiveness. Hawkins best spot may be right tackle.”"

Erik Lambert from NFLMocks wrote the following in his scouting report:

"“Has good strength and size proportions. Can drive defenders off the ball when he gets the legs churning. Does not fear getting physical. Will throw his body around and get after it with defenders. Difficult to get past when he uses the full extension of his arms and upper body strength. Takes pass protection more seriously as he’s better with his technique and discipline. Knows how to gain instant position advantage, often shifting his feet and body to seal defenders away from where the football is going. Has the awareness to find the next block at the second level, opening up bigger lanes for the running backs.”"

4. Willie Beavers – T, Western Michigan Broncos

Beavers scored a draft grade of 5.44, making him a “Backup or eventual starter”. Draft analyst Lance Zierlein compared Beavers to Houston Texans 2011 seventh rounder Derek Newton:

"“Beavers is very athletic with the feet to play left tackle, but has the talent and traits to play all over the offensive line with more technique work. While he clearly has some power and twitch in his hips, he could use a year in an NFL weight room to strengthen his core and upper body. Beavers is an eventual NFL starter who is likely to be targeted by teams who covet tackles who can excel in space.”"

Senior analyst Gil Brandt stated Beavers has “a lot of upside” and named him one of the most underrated offensive prospects in the draft.

Ross Woomer of NFLMocks had this to say in his scouting report:

"“Beavers is able to use his large hands to stick with defenders. He is quick off the line and is engaged with his target, finishing blocks until the whistle. Beavers is quick to hit his target on run blocks and displays swift feet to hold a solid, protecting stance on pass blocks. He sticks with defenders and opens holes in space.”"

Next: DEFENSIVE LINE