These 5 NY Giants face the most pressure in upcoming season

OG – Will Hernandez:

Why is the pressure on for Hernandez? 

The fourth-year guard out of UTEP is in the last year of his rookie contract. When Gettleman selected Hernandez with the 34th overall pick, he was expected to become this generation’s Chris Snee for the NY Giants.

While Hernandez hasn’t been terrible during his first three seasons, he certainly hasn’t lived up to his pre-draft hype.

Hernandez’s play hasn’t progressed as NY Giants fans had hoped.

In fact, Hernandez’s performance has regressed each season according to his PFF grades. After receiving a 67.9 PFF grade as a rookie, the 327-pound guard has received 58.4 and 58.1 grades in the two years since. Last year in his third season, Hernandez never regained his starting left guard spot after he came back from COVID.

Hernandez was the NY Giants’ the starting right guard in OTAs, and should be able to hold off free-agent addition Zach Fulton for that spot. If Hernandez were to sign an extension with New York long-term, he needs to have a career year while switching to a new position (left to right guard.) If not, the front office is likely to find a more cost-efficient replacement in next year’s draft, where Big Blue has a plethora of picks.

What will Hernandez have to improve upon in 2021?

Hernandez has had some trouble run blocking in the NFL, which is surprising when you consider his immense size and strength. He used to maul defensive linemen at UTEP. He has trouble blocking in space due to his lack of agility and length. The boxy guard has lost some weight this offseason, which will hopefully help him move his feet in the run and pass game.

Will pressure make diamonds?

 I don’t think Hernandez will be a part of the NY Giants’ long-term plans.

It was telling when he did not regain his starting spot from a fifth-round rookie in 2020. What do the coaches think of him? The only thing he has been consistent at so far is being inconsistent.