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NY Giants: Evaluating impact of rookie class | Grades

By Danny Friedman

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: Saquon Barkley of Penn State poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #2 overall by the New York Giants during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: Saquon Barkley of Penn State poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #2 overall by the New York Giants during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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NY Giants
Shane Lemieux #66 of the New York Giants  (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

5th Round, #150 Overall: OL Shane Lemieux, Oregon

The Giants got some contributions from their 5th round rookie draft pick two years in a row. After Darius Slayton hit in 2019, Lemieux came into a starting role in 2020 for nine games (over half the season).

Lemieux played in 12 total games and started in nine. In those games, his results were a bag of mixed results.

Lemieux had his rookie struggles for the better part of the season as he adjusted to NFL life after playing in the Pac-12. Lemieux came into the league with a run-mauling reputation and he certainly showed that ability in year one.

Lemieux took over for Will Hernandez in the starting lineup after he contracted COVID-19. From there, he never lost his starting gig and showed some good and bad on the field.

Lemieux was a good run blocker who showcased some physicality, a nasty streak, and the ability to push a man or a pile. He helped paved the way for multiple inside runs for touchdowns over the last eight weeks.

Lemieux struggled in pass protection. He struggled with his technique and handling interior pass rushers. He allowed five sacks all year and gave up far too many pressures inside.

Rookie Year Grade: CD+

2021 Role and Beyond:

Expect Lemieux to compete with Hernandez for a starting job in 2021, if the Giants don’t sign a veteran or draft a guard high. Hernandez will be facing a huge test in year four to win his job back and then do a good enough job to keep it. He won’t back down from a fight and won’t be easy to take a job from.

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