Why versatility is the name of the game for the 2020 NY Giants
By Matt Clark
NY Giants Offensive Line
It is far from uncommon to have versatile players along the offensive line. However, the recently reconstructed offensive line of the NY Giants is oozing with versatility.
Both of the guard positions appear to be secure with former Pro-Bowler Kevin Zeitler manning the right guard spot and former 2018 second-round draft pick Will Hernandez at left guard. However, beyond that, nearly every other offensive lineman is “cross-training” at multiple spots.
Andrew Thomas, the fourth-round draft pick of the NY Giants in 2020, is training at both the left tackle and right tackle positions. The same is true for this year’s third-round selection out of UCONN, Matt Peart. Meanwhile, offseason free-agent signing Cam Fleming is practicing at both the guard and right tackle position, having played both positions during his NFL tenure.
New York’s fifth-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, Shane Lemieux is cross-training at the center and guard positions. Perhaps the most versatile player on the Giants offensive line is Nick Gates, who played both tackle and guard last season for the team and who is now practicing at the center position, where the results have been extremely encouraging so far.
The fact that the NY Giants have a number of guys along their offensive line who are athletic and skilled enough to play multiple positions, bodes well for the team. Should the injury bug strike the line, Joe Judge and his new offensive line coach Marc Colombo will have a plethora of options. Additionally, the team could decide to change up their starting rotation based on the defensive matchup that they are facing.
Regardless, having such versatility and depth in an area that has been a weakness for a long time is certainly a welcome change for the Giants. It should allow the team to be more effective and efficient on offense than it has in years past.