RD 7 (218th): Jon Runyan Jr. – OG, Michigan
New York Giants fans will be intimately familiar with the name Jon Runyan, as Jon Runyan, Sr. was a dominant Pro Bowl offensive tackle with the division rival Philadelphia Eagles for almost a decade. I decided that the younger Runyan was worth a pick with the first pick the Giants had in the seventh round.
At 6’5″ and 325-pounds, Runyan is a large offensive guard. However, despite the excellent pedigree, he lacks the technique and fundamental skills that his father had. He represents an extremely raw offensive line prospect who could turn into a solid offensive guard in the NFL with the right coaching.
The Giants have a solid offensive line with Nate Solder, Will Hernandez, Lloyd Cushenberry III, Kevin Zeitler, and Austin Jackson. In addition, they have solid backups in Cam Fleming, Spencer Pulley, and Nick Gates, so they don’t need to rush Runyan along. He projects as depth in the immediate future with the potential to be a contributor at guard long term if he can address the issues with his technique.
The development of offensive lineman prospects are rarely in linear, so the Giants could do a lot worse than selecting someone like Runyan who held his own in a stacked BIG10 and who has a father with a long track record of success as an offensive lineman in the NFL. Plus if he does develop, it will be a morally crushing blow to Eagles fans, which is an added bonus for drafting him.
With the 238th overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, the New York Giants selected: