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NY Giants’ roster: Here is the ideal starting offense in 2021

By David Solow

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 29: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants warms up prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on December 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 29: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants warms up prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on December 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – NOVEMBER 17: Kyle Rudolph #82 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates a touchdown pass reception against the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – NOVEMBER 17: Kyle Rudolph #82 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates a touchdown pass reception against the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Tight End:

Kyle Rudolph: He is older, slower, and less dynamic than Evan Engram, but Rudolph is the safer option at TE. Daniel Jones threw 6 INTs when targeting Engram. Despite a Pro Bowl nod in 2020, Engram had 11 drops over the course of the season. Rudolph has just one drop since 2017. The NY Giants have enough dynamic weapons. While I expect Engram to play a lot, I think Rudolph will play even more and the former Viking is a Jake Ballard type that can block and be a red zone threat.

Offensive Line:

Andrew Thomas (left tackle): The only first-round pick among the hog mollies will need to leave his inconsistencies behind him for this offense to have a chance. There is a definite reason for optimism going forward based on his performance down the stretch in 2020.

Shane Lemieux (left guard): Dave Gettleman and the NY Giants’ coaches have much more confidence in Lemieux than most fans do. Many were clamoring for the GMEN to take a guard in the middle rounds of this year’s draft. The 5th rounder out of Oregon struggled mightily with pass protection as a rookie, but showed good chemistry with Thomas on the left side and mauls defenders in the run game.

Nick Gates (center): Gettleman’s best under-the-radar move last year was locking up Nick Gates to a team-friendly extension before the start of last season. Gates quickly established himself as a solid center and continued to improve in 2020. He is also the ultimate football guy.

Will Hernandez (right guard): He hasn’t performed up to expectations since Mr. Gettleman took him with the 34th overall selection in 2018. Nevertheless, it was a mystery as to why he did not get his starting spot back when he recovered from COVID. This will be a prove-it year for the guard out of UTEP.

Matt Peart (right tackle): Peart has much more upside than the older Nate Solder, and should lock up the starting right tackle spot with a strong training camp. The UCONN alumni looks noticeably bigger at OTAs, and his experience last season subbing into games should pay dividends.

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