Could Bobby Hart End Up The New York Giants Starting Guard Over John Jerry?
The New York Giants organization seems to be content entering the season with the right side of the offensive line as is. Fans have been clamoring for change, but as it stands before minicamp, John Jerry will start at guard and Marshall Newhouse will start at tackle.
Bobby Hart was a seventh-round draft choice last year who played in nine games and even got a start as a rookie. Many had hoped he would overtake Newhouse for the starting tackle position this summer, but his reps have come as a tackle with the second team.
As a tackle, Hart hasn’t shown the progress that most fans had hoped. Keep in mind, this is a seventh-rounder entering his second season. To forecast Hart as a starter with only nine games played in his entire career is a lofty goal. Hart has struggled during OTAs keeping up with quick pass rushers, namely Owa Odighizuwa.
While many are trying to shoehorn Hart into the starting lineup over Newhouse, why not transition him to guard? Remember, he was forecasted as a guard in the NFL out of college. His primary weakness at the time was his lateral quickness which would make him vulnerable against speedy pass rushers. But as Nick Powell of NJ.com wrote, “his issues in pass protection as a tackle won’t be same issues he faces in the NFL as a guard.”
Jerry wasn’t terrible at guard last season however. According to PFF, he allowed just 14 quarterback disruptions and no sacks. Hart may not be an upgrade if he is in the starting lineup. If Jerry falters, Hart would be an ideal replacement on the second team and could prove to be a better player. The placement of Hart is absolutely something to watch for at minicamp.
Giants fans are now thinking, “but what about right tackle?” The Giants could certainly use an upgrade over Newhouse. Keep an eye out for Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Phil Loadholt. According to ESPN’s NFL Nation, the Vikings signed Andre Smith as their right tackle and may let Loadholt go as training camp begins. The Giants would gladly scoop up the 30-year old tackle and shove Newhouse onto the second team.