Charles Vitolo’s NY Giants post free agency mock draft 2.0
1st RD (18th *from MIA*): Josh Jones OT – Houston
Even if NY Giants fans disagree on when it has to happen, every fan would have to agree that his team needs to upgrade the offensive tackle position for the future to protect our most important player in QB Daniel Jones, while also jump-starting 2018 #2 overall pick Saquon Barkley.
While Josh Jones’ name might not right out quite like the typical ‘core four’ offensive tackles in this 2020 draft, it should. Jones was a big-time recruit for former Houston head coach Tom Herman before he bolted for Texas after much success, not seeing Josh Jones’ career through.
Despite a mass exodus of Houston recruits and players, Josh Jones stayed the course and it worked out quite well for him. The Texas native allowed just four pressures on 325 pass-blocking snaps in 2019 and graded inside the top-five all-time in Pro Football Focus‘ college grading system. He’s got the size, athleticism, technique and college results that should translate to him being a long-time starter in the NFL.
One of my favorite reps of the week. Love the drive and finish from Houston LT Josh Jones. He had an impressive couple of days. #SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/VbfVRGATFX
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) January 24, 2020
In my offensive tackle rankings, I’ve got Josh Jones ranked firmly over everyone’s current darling, Louisville’s Mekhi Becton, who is incredibly raw. Jones would step in and start at left tackle right away, pushing the ever-struggling Nate Solder to either right tackle of the bench where he belongs.
The NY Giants walk away with their left tackle of the future here and still have so many more important draft picks to take shots at filling out the rest of the roster, including another first rounder.
If you would like to see my recent full write-up on Josh Jones, here you go.