NY Giants’ biggest offseason need is a glaring, and ongoing one

The NY Giants would be wise to make rebuilding the offensive line a top organizational priority this offseason … again 

Inconsistency along the NY Giants’ offensive line is a driving force behind why New York is staring down the barrel of a fifth consecutive losing season, and has been a going concern for the organization over the past decade.

Whether in the unlikely event Dave Gettleman returns as general manager, or whoever replaces him at some point this offseason, the Giants’ new general manager could be tasked with filling at least three positions — and maybe four, along the offensive line.

Andrew Thomas, the NY Giants’ No. 4 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft was just rounding into form before landing on injured reserve last month, but the rest of the line has been a revolving door of mediocrity for much of this season.

As the NY Giants sit on the bye week, Pro Football Focus suggests that interior offensive line, especially given the uncertainty surrounding center Nick Gates’ future, is New York’s most glaring need to address this offseason:

"The Giants tried to fix an area of obvious need right before the 2021 season began, making several trades for interior offensive linemen, acquiring former Bengals center Billy Price and former Ravens guard Ben Bredeson. Price has the fourth-worst pass-blocking grade among starting centers at 47.7, and Bredeson has the second-worst pass-blocking grade among guards at 24.7. The Giants pass-blocking grade as a unit is 49.8, which ranks 31st.Now halfway through Daniel Jones‘ third season, he has never had adequate protection. New York needs to fix it once and for all, because it has spent a ton of money and resources on defense and pass-catchers already."

Most likely, given the cap constraints, the NY Giants are likely to face this offseason, fortifying the offensive line is going to need to happen during the NFL Draft.

If the season ended today, the NY Giants would own two of the top-15 selections in next spring’s draft. Given the struggles up front this season, and in the recent past, emphasizing the top offensive linemen available would be prudent. Especially if the NY Giants are ever going to maximize the potential of an offense led by quarterback Daniel Jones and featuring Saquon Barkley, Kenny Golladay, and Sterling Shepard.