NFL Draft: 5 offensive prospects New York Giants must have atop big board

The New York Giants have myriad holes on both sides of the football, but a pair of top-10 picks and nine total selections in the 2022 NFL Draft to fill them

With two picks in the first seven selections of the 2022 NFL draft, the New York Giants will have their pick of elite prospects.

Whether the Giants choose to address the offense or defense side of the ball, general manager Joe Schoen and Co. will have the opportunity to add two players who will make an immediate impact.

If the New York Giants choose to address the offense, this draft offers enough depth across the board that they can find quality talent in any round. The offensive line and tight end could be the two areas that Schoen choose to invest the most into.

With it still being unknown who will be on the Giants roster at the start of the season, there could also be a need at wide receiver.

Here are 5 offensive prospects that should be at the top of the New York Giants’ big board

Alabama OT, Evan Neal

Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal looks to be among the most promising offensive lineman in this year’s class. At 6-7 and 350 pounds, Neal has elite size. To go along with this size comes a speed and quickness that catches opposing defenders off guard.

Neal has also proven to be effective in both run and pass blocking. Neal has also shown an elite ability at getting to the second level of opposing defenses and is able to be a lead blocker.

His experience along the offensive line would be a welcome to the Giants. While at Alabama, he has started at left tackle, left guard, and right tackle. With his transition to the NFL, Neal could become the right tackle of the future for the Giants.

By playing in the SEC, Neal has lined up against some of the best defenders in college football. His success should be a sign of how he will transition to the NFL. During his three seasons of being a starter, he allowed just five total sacks.

Iowa C, Tyler Linderbaum

Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum could arguably be seen as the best offensive line prospect in this year’s draft.

If not for the center position being somewhat undervalued, Linderbaum could also make a case as the best overall player in this draft. From a pro-ready viewpoint, there is no other player who will be ready to go from day one as Linderbaum will be.

While at Iowa, Linderbaum proved to be a force on the offensive line. Over the last three seasons, he allowed just two sacks, six quarterback hits, and 11 hurries while playing 2317 over that period. He was also the highest-rated center in all of college football the past two seasons.

Linderbaum has risen to prominence by his elite athleticism. He regularly flies across the field, laying blocks at each level of the defense. From a technique standpoint, his game is nearly flawless. He plays the position in a way that very few others can.

There are very few critiques that can be seen with Linderbaum. He is somewhat undersized at 6-3 and 290 pounds but that hasn’t impacted his play up to this point.

Linderbaum should sit right atop the Giants draft board. His presence would be felt immediately on the offensive line.

NC State OT, Ikem Ekwonu

NC State’s Ikem Ekwonu has also built a case for himself to be regarded as the draft’s best offensive lineman. Ekwonu imposed his will on opposing teams for the last three seasons. Over this time, he cemented his status as an elite tackle prospect.

Ekwonu played 2285 snaps over the past three seasons. In that time, he allowed just 10 sacks and 8 quarterback hits.

Ekwonu has found success by using his pure strength. He bullies opposing rushers and eliminates them from plays almost entirely.

There is potential that Ekwonu could struggle at the tackle position at the next level. His pass-protection at times has looked worrisome and that could steer some teams away. He is proven to be more dominant in the run game and could easily be the best run-blocking prospect in this year’s group.

A positive regarding Ekwonu is that he has already shown that he can also play guard. During the 2020 season, he played 239 snaps at left guard. If he struggles at tackle, kicking him to guard could be a real possibility. This would still be a positive for the Giants. By selecting Ekwonu, they either get a tackle for the future or a guard.

Coastal Carolina TE, Isaiah Likely

The New York Giants will inevitably have some sort of void at the tight end position with the possibility of both Kyle Rudolph and Evan Engram not being on the roster come next season. Coastal Carolina’s Isaiah Likely could be the perfect prospect to step in.

Likely proved to be one of the most explosive tight ends in college football during his time at Coastal Carolina. He served as the focal point of the offense, recording 133 receptions, 27 touchdowns, and 2050 receiving yards.

He finished his collegiate career never having less than five receiving touchdowns in a single season.

At 6-4 and 220 pounds, Likely is built more like a bigger wide receiver but he has proven to be able to hold his own when it comes to blocking. Given time to put on more weight, Likely could become at least an average blocker at the next level.

His pure athleticism, and ability to make a big play whenever he touches the ball would make him a great option on this offense. Paired alongside what the Giants have already put together, and with an offense constructed by Brian Daboll, Likely could be utilized in a big way.

Purdue WR, David Bell

With talk that the New York Giants could potentially move on from veteran receiver Sterling Shepard, they could look to add another receiver.

After already investing heavily in Kenny Golladay, they use the draft to add the necessary depth. Spending a mid-round pick on a receiver such as David Bell could be the scenario that we see play out. Purdue wide receiver David Bell is one of the most electric offensive prospects in this year’s class. His reliability and big-play potential at Purdue led to him posting massive stat lines on a weekly basis.

At 6-2 and 205 pounds, Bell has the size to be a productive receiver. His strength and ability to catch anything thrown his way could lead to him being a match-up problem for smaller corners.

He finished his collegiate career with 232 receptions, 2946 receiving yards, and 22 total touchdowns.

Bell isn’t the fastest receiver but he can make a play as soon as the ball gets into his hands. He recorded two games this past season with 11 catches and over 200 receiving yards.

Daniel Jones has already shown that he feels confident in throwing the deep ball. Adding another option that can stretch the field could help open up the rest of the offense.