NFL Draft 2022: New York Giants’ top Day 2 targets
By David Solow
Zion Johnson- Boston College, Guard
Why would he be a good value for the New York Giants at #37?
Zion Johnson is a first-round caliber player that could fall because the position value of interior offensive linemen is nowhere close to offensive tackle. That being said, Johnson is a high-floor player at a position (guard) that has become increasingly difficult to find quality in.
The New York Giants have hit a home run in the past picking an offensive guard in the 2nd round (Chris Snee).
New York has also struck out picking a guard at the very beginning of day 2 (Will Hernandez, who will likely depart in free agency). Johnson is a very smart, technically sound, and strong blocker that would be a very safe pick for the Giants.
How would he fit with the New York Giants?
Johnson has position versatility, as evidenced by his time at Boston College playing left tackle (he even played center during the Senior Bowl). His 34 inch arms mean that he is built like a tackle, but his best position is guard due to his athletic limitations.
With the likely departure of Will Hernandez in free agency, guard is one of the shallowest position groups on the NY Giants roster. Adding Johnson at left guard next to Andrew Thomas would make the left side of the offensive line one of the best young left guard-tackle duos on the NFL.
NFL Combine Stats: Stock Up or Down?
HEIGHT: 6′ 3″
WEIGHT: 312 lbs
ARMS: 34″
HANDS: 10 5/8″
40 Yard Dash: 5.18
Bench Press: 32
Vertical Jump: 32
Broad Jump: 112
3 Cone Drill: 7.38
20 Yd Shuttle: 4.46
Stock Up: Johnson had the most bench press reps at the entire 2022 combine. He was more slim and athletic than expected and looked like a fluid athlete in all of his events.
New York Giants Player Comparison: David Diehl
David Diehl started as a guard for the Giants way back in 2003, but had the versatility to play any position on the offensive line, just like Johnson. Diehl wasn’t great because of his athleticism. Players like Diehl and Johnson succeed because of their toughness and football intelligence.