5 Reasons NY Giants should avoid an offensive tackle in first round

Reason #4 The offensive tackles do not have the highest floor (Simmons does)

Drafting college football players is always a risky proposition. The bust rate, even in the first round of the draft, is quite high. There is a chance that Isaiah Simmons never becomes the caliber of the player of Derwin James.

That being said, the chance of Simmons becoming a complete bust is low. Simmons’ size, athleticism, and ability in man-to-man coverage will make him valuable in any defensive system. The way he is able to take athletic tight-ends and certain slot receivers out of the game is unique.

Doubters of Simmons might point out that he isn’t strong enough to handle being a middle linebacker full time, and he doesn’t have a true position. The same thing was said about New Mexico safety-turned linebacker Brian Urlacher, who went on to have a hall of fame career for the Bears.

Simmons has more strength than he’s given credit for, and is able to use his agility and long arms to keep blockers off of him. The Giants’ strength on defense is their GIANT defensive line, and they could keep blockers occupied for Simmons to do his thing.

The top four offensive lineman in this draft are all highly regarded, but can we be confident that they won’t flop at the next level? Robert Gallery, Greg Robinson, Levi Brown, and Tony Mandarich are just some of the offensive tackle busts that were selected in the top 5. Each of those players appeared to be sure things coming into the draft.

Wills, Wirfs, Becton, and Thomas are not sure things. Andrew Thomas was the beneficiary of a run-heavy/play-action passing scheme at Georgia. Can he move his feet well enough in the NFL?

Wirfs displays super-athletic traits but does not slide his feet well enough on tape. He does not possess ideal length for an offensive tackle, which is why some project him to guard. Becton’s game is extremely raw and he has trouble staying in front of speed rushers.

Wills seems like the safest tackle in the draft. I think he could slide in at right tackle right away and be solid for the NY Giants as a rookie. Nonetheless, I think the Giants would still have leaks along the offensive line and our defense would continue to rank near the bottom of the NFL.