Offensive tackles
Andrew Thomas
It didn’t take long for Giants fans to scream “bust” and start comparing Thomas, the No. 4 overall pick in the NFL Draft, to Ereck Flowers. But, that wasn’t exactly fair after Thomas’ first six games featured matchups against Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt, Bears linebacker Khalil Mack, the Los Angeles’ Rams’ Aaron Donald, the Dallas Cowboys’ Demarcus Lawrence, and others. While Thomas got off to a disappointing start, allowing five sacks and 40 total pressures, he’s settled down in recent weeks after reverting to the technique he used at Georgia, he’s allowed just one sack the past three weeks– even while going against fellow rookie Chase Young, and seems to be building momentum. Grade: C+
Cameron Fleming
For a stretch early on this season, Fleming was the Giants’ most consistent offensive lineman. However, Fleming has taken his lumps in recent weeks. In 529 snaps played, Fleming has allowed 24 total pressures, five sacks, and two quarterback hits. At some point, the Giants need to start thinking about the long-term implications of not getting rookie Matt Peart meaningful snaps to decide whether he’s the solution at right tackle. Grade: C
Matt Peart
While he has only played 97 total snaps through the first nine weeks, Peart has been the Giants’ highest-graded offensive lineman. The third-round pick out of UConn has only allowed two total pressures in 52 pass-protection snaps. Unless the Giants make a run at the NFC East championship after the bye, chances are this team will be picking in the top-five picks of next April’s NFL Draft, so getting Peart meaningful snaps and the opportunity to perhaps play a complete game — rather than rotating in with Fleming and Thomas — could prove invaluable both for his development and deciding whether offensive tackle remains a top need in 2021. Grade: B+