2022 NFL Draft: 10 middle-round prospects NY Giants should target

C Jarrett Patterson, Notre Dame

With Nick Gates suffering a gruesome leg injury in a Week 2 matchup against the Washington Football Team, it is unclear as to when Gates will return, let alone IF he is even able to.

Gates will be the only center on contract going into the 2022 season.

With there being such a huge question mark surrounding Gates’s return, the NY Giants should consider drafting a replacement. I believe a good candidate for replacement is Notre Dame center, Jarrett Patterson.

Patterson, 6-foot-5 and 307 pounds, is both an elite pass and run blocker, earning an 85.8 pass-blocking grade, and an 82.7 run-blocking grade by PFF.

In 12 games played this season, Patterson only allowed nine pressures, eight QB hurries, and one QB hit. Patterson hasn’t allowed a sack all season.

Patterson uses his massive frame to toss defenders around and create room up the middle for running backs to run through, something the NY Giants desperately need for Saquon Barkley. Patterson is also great at taking contact and maintaining dominance against incoming 2nd level defenders.

One of my favorite aspects about Patterson is his ability to get out into the second-level and make blocks, something that current NY Giants starter Billy Price is not that great at. Patterson also has great awareness, this makes it difficult for opposing defenders to slip by him when he is on an island by himself.

If the NY Giants have the opportunity to draft Patterson they absolutely should take a swing at him. Patterson is the type of prospect who looks like he will be pro-ready on day one, and could provide instant impact to the constantly struggling NY Giants offensive line.