NY Giants OTAs: Handicapping 4 key position battles
Left guard
Shane Lemieux, Will Hernandez
The NY Giants are clearly more optimistic about the offensive line, than those outside team headquarters are.
That’s the only conclusion to be drawn from the NY Giants not selecting an offensive lineman earlier this spring during the 2021 NFL Draft.
However, the uncertainty at offensive guard will be a litmus test for the organization’s confidence in the line tasked with keeping quarterback Daniel Jones upright, and opening up running lanes for running back Saquon Barkley.
It seemed that 2018 second-round pick Will Hernandez quickly fell out of favor with the new coaching staff last season, as he was supplanted by rookie Shane Lemieux for the starting job and the position became a bit of a rotation. Hernandez allowed just one sack, but also 25 pressures, in 525 offensive snaps last season.
However, Lemieux didn’t fare any better.
As a rookie, Lemieux was charged with six sacks allowed and 25 total pressures, en route to a 32.2 overall grade from Pro Football Focus … 25.9 points lower than Hernandez’ mark. Still, the fact that the coaching staff gave Lemieux plenty of rope, and were instrumental in drafting him, makes it seem like he’ll be given every opportunity this spring and summer to once again win the starting job.