Will Hernandez – Grade: A
Hernandez is Big Blue’s best draft pick of the 2018 class. Multiple draft analysts had UTEP’s 6-foot-2, 327-pound guard going in the first-round.
Gettleman was clearly excited to have one of the top offensive linemen in this year’s class fall to Big Blue in the second-round, via New York’s team website.
"“One of the great gifts you can get in the draft is when value meets need, and we had a solid first round grade on Willie. So we’re thrilled to get him. He’s exactly what we’re looking for. He’s a power blocker, he’s tough, he finishes strong. … You know I love the hog mollies and this guy really has a lot of talent. He is a very athletic kid for his size. He can run, he can pull and he plays very smart. I’m thrilled we got him.”"
Hernandez will immediately improve New York’s pass protection.
Led by UTEP's Will Hernandez, these offensive guards had no trouble keeping pressure off their quarterback. pic.twitter.com/gL67xUcAIz
— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 16, 2017
He will also open up running lanes for Barkley. NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein compared Hernandez to four-time Pro Bowler Richie Incognito ahead of the draft.
He will bring a toughness and nastiness to Big Blue’s revamped offensive line. Hernandez posted the most bench reps (37) of any offensive lineman at the NFL Scouting Combine and has great footwork and quickness for a big man.
It’s hard to make any criticisms of this selection. Gettleman not only got a great value pick in Hernandez, he also addressed one of the team’s biggest needs.