Which 5 NY Giants are most vital to the offense?

NY Giants’ 5th Most Essential Offensive Player: Nick Gates

Position: Interior Lineman (Center)

Positional Value: Tier 6

What makes him a great player?: 

Nick Gates brings a nasty attitude to the offense and was arguably the best offensive lineman on the team last season, despite playing a new position. The versatile hog molly out of Nebraska has proven that he could be serviceable at tackle, guard, and center.

Gates was the only NY Giants player to play all 1,013 offensive snaps in 2020, and he played them all at the center position. Gates allowed zero sacks up the middle, which is amazing when you consider that he was learning a new position. After struggling early in the season, the hog molly got better with each game and was a major factor in the Giants’ 5-3 finish.

I considered putting Matt Peart No. 5 in this ranking. Peart plays a more valuable position (right tackle), but he is much more of a mystery than Gates. Gates has proven to be a solid NFL starter, while Peart has only started one game and played mostly spot duty in 2020. Peart was also relegated to the second string behind Nate Solder in the final preseason “dress rehearsal” vs. the Patriots on Sunday.

How would the NY Giants fare without him?

Gates’ ability to play everywhere on the offensive line makes him extremely valuable, and his toughness/attitude makes him invaluable to the offense. Dave Gettleman just traded BJ Hill for center/guard Billy Price, but Price is likely viewed as depth along in the interior. As a former first-round pick, Price has underperformed in his young NFL career and would be a downgrade at center if Gates were to miss time.