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2022 NFL Draft: 5 offensive linemen the New York Giants should target

By Desmond Novack

Mar 4, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Boston College offensive lineman Zion Johnson (OL22) goes through drills during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Boston College offensive lineman Zion Johnson (OL22) goes through drills during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Giants
New York Giants coach Brian Daboll (Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) /

Rebuilding the offensive line is a top priority for New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen, who may have the pick of some of the top linemen in the NFL Draft

With the New York Giants currently having an incomplete offensive line due to several starters contracts expiring, it is very likely that they will look towards the draft to replace these veterans.

Whether it be in the first round, or later on in the draft, there are several offensive linemen in this years draft class who could potentially be starters for the Giants next season.

This year’s draft class is one of the deepest in a long time in terms of offensive linemen, so there is a very good chance that the New York Giants select a stud with at least one of their nine picks.

Obviously there are the top names in the draft the New York Giants should target like Ikem Ekwonu, Tyler Linderbaum, Charles Cross, etc.

However, it is always important to look at some of the better linemen who could be available outside of the first round.

Here are 5 offensive linemen the New York Giants should target in the NFL Draft

C Luke Fortner, Kentucky:

Luke Fortner has the potential to be a very good lineman in the NFL.

Coming in at 6-foot-4 and 307 pounds, Fortner had himself a very solid season at Kentucky, only allowing two sacks, one QB hit, and two QB hurries, while gaining a pass-blocking grade of 82.8, alongside a run-blocking grade of 84.7 from PFF.

Whether it be his ability to pick up late blitzers in pass blocking snaps, the way he can diagnose defensive stunts before the snap, something the New York Giants lacked last season, or his surprisingly good burst off the line in the run game, there is a lot to like about Fortner.

While there are things he needs to work on, like the fact that he has the tendency to sometimes place his hands a little to high while blocking, these are things that can easily be fixed.

Another thing to like about Fortner is his potential to possibly play more than just center, as he has the perfect play style and frame to switch over to guard if needed. This is also a position he played in the past.

Fortner is a player who has the potential to be a very good center or guard in the NFL one day, it may not come right away, but if he can work out his game, there is a very good chance he succeeds at the next level, as he has all the physical and mental capabilities to do so.

It is likely that Fortner will be available when the New York Giants make their selections in the 3rd or 4th round. If they have not selected a center by then, it may be in their best regards to draft Fortner.

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