What would be the ideal offensive line configuration for the NY Giants?
By David Solow
Center- Nick Gates
The competition will be fierce for the NY Giants’ starting center position. Spencer Pulley, Jon Halapio (last season’s starter but coming off a serious injury – not guaranteed to be back), Shane Lemieux, and even priority UDFA Kyle Murphy will all get an opportunity to compete for the position. Iron sharpens iron and Joe Judge has put a heavy emphasis on competition since taking over as head coach.
Why would Nick Gates be the ideal starting center in 2020? He played very well when given the opportunity in 2019. The former tackle from Nebraska was especially effective when filling in at guard for Kevin Zeitler.
According to PFF, both his pass blocking and run blocking were well above average. His pass-blocking grade was 71.9 and his run blocking grade was an even more impressive 75.9. His body type and powerful style of play is conducive to playing well on the inside.
Nick Gates was the best #NYG OLmen on Sunday...he displayed nimble feet, a low COG/ability to utilize leverage, good mental processing, an ability to mirror up the arc, and solid hand placement. He also did well in the run game. Anchor may need some improvement in some situations pic.twitter.com/rzOJlmwlKi
— Nick Falato (@nickfalato) November 15, 2019
The former Cornhusker went undrafted in 2018 because he lacked the ideal length and athleticism for an offensive tackle. Gettleman signed him as a priority free-agent and was enticed by his move blocking ability. If the NY Giants truly transition to a power run blocking scheme, Gates would fit in well at center next to Hernandez.
Spencer Pulley has more starting experience at center, but he lacks the power the G-Men need at the position. Halapio was overwhelmed at times last season and is coming off of a serious injury.
Lemieux is a powerful rookie with a strong anchor, but it would be asking a lot of a rookie 5th round pick to start right away at a new position. If Gates can handle snapping the ball, he would be the ideal starting center in 2020.