5 Reasons NY Giants should avoid an offensive tackle in first round
By David Solow
Reason #3- An offensive tackle does NOT have the highest upside in this draft
The NY Giants should stay true to their big board and draft the player that they believe has the highest upside. Teams get into trouble when they draft strictly for need. The Jaguars probably wish they drafted Jamal Adams in 2017 over Leonard Fournette, even though Adams wouldn’t of filled a major need at the time in Jacksonville.
Isaiah Simmons should be the pick. He has the potential to be an all-pro player. Derwin James, a player that many compare to Simmons, was recognized as an all-pro during his rookie season in 2018.
It’s really easy to see why Derwin James was a first-team All-Pro selection as a rookie. pic.twitter.com/Nl2LFhXfDH
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) May 25, 2019
The difference he made for the Chargers defense was substantial, and I believe Simmons could have a similar type of impact on the Big Blue defense. The Clemson Tiger is both faster and bigger than James. I have confidence that Patrick Graham can get the most out of his versatile talents.
Can any of the top four offensive tackles have the same kind of impact that Derwin James and Quentin Nelson had on their teams? It is certainly possible, but I have my doubts. There is no consensus about who the best tackle in the class even is, which is telling.