Positive vibes reigned down upon the NY Giants after the 2021 NFL Draft.
Experts praised Dave Gettleman’s haul – an electric wide receiver, a ferocious pass rusher and valuable 2022 draft assets to boot.
The one gripe? The lack of attention paid to the offensive line – the unit many believe the Giants’ season hinges upon.
After the draft, Gettleman reasoned with reporters – saying it’s ‘apparent’ that team’s brass is ‘more confident’ in guys like Andrew Thomas, Shane Lemieux and Matt Peart than the media is. When you look under the surface, you can see the reasons why the Giants’ GM decided it was more important to address positions like wide receiver and defensive line instead.
Gettleman isn’t alone in his sentiment that the Giants’ young, hungry offensive line will improve. Famed offensive lineman guru, Duke Manyweather, echoed his comments when he joined FanSided’s The Matt Lombardo Show.
"“I think you’ll see mass improvement from Andrew Thomas,” said Manyweather. “I think Andrew Thomas down the stretch in the second half last year found his way and got into groove. That Giants’ offensive line, and team dealt with some adversity last year with injuries and what went on with the coaching change midway through the year, and all the drama that went with that. You add in a coach like Rob Sale, a no-nonsense type of guy, I think with not only Thomas but that entire line will improve.”"
Manyweather’s comments should inspire confidence for fans who were weary of Thomas‘ rollercoaster rookie season. While he started the season as one of the league’s worst offensive lineman, the 2020 first round pick turned it around in the second half – proving why the Giants made him the fourth overall pick.
The hiring of Rob Sale can’t be understated as well – something Manyweather stated as a reason to expect improvement from not just Thomas, but the Giants’ offensive line as a whole. Instead of mid-season coaching changes, the team’s hog mollies getting to grow with a respected leader in Sale will be huge.
If Gettleman’s confidence didn’t put your mind at ease, Manyweather’s should. His word is as good as gold when it comes to the position – fans should have faith that the offensive line won’t continue to be the team’s Achilles’ heel.
You can listen to the entire interview with Manyweather, as well as insight on what folks inside the league thoughts are on topics like Tim Tebow signing with the Jaguars and when Justin Fields will start for the Chicago Bears, on this weeks episode of The Matt Lombardo Show.