The biggest mistake New York Giants could make in the 2022 NFL Draft

If the New York Giants are unable to fill a gaping void at right tackle, the 2022 NFL Draft could wind up being a failure for new GM Joe Schoen

New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen enters his first NFL Draft armed with nine total draft picks, including two choices in the top-10, to attempt to add foundational players to a long-overdue rebuild.

No position on the roster is more vital to the success of quarterback Daniel Jones, and would be more likely to spark a turnaround to what has been a rudderless offense the past two seasons than right tackle.

Likewise, right tackle might be the most glaring deficiency on the Giants‘ roster, as it’s currently constructed.

Which is exactly why the biggest mistake Schoen and the New York Giants could make during the 2022 NFL Draft is failing to come away with an offensive tackle by the end of Day 2 of draft weekend.

By all accounts, Schoen and the New York Giants coaching staff is in the midst of extensive work on some of the top prospects at the position.

New York had a strong presence at Charles Cross’ pro day workout at Mississippi State, the New York Giants met with Evan Neal — arguably the top right tackle in this class – during Alabama’s Pro Day, and Ikem Ekwonu may be an ideal fit in new head coach Brian Daboll’s scheme.

There is always the possibility that Neal, Cross, and Ekwonu could be off the board by the time the Giants go on the clock with the No. 5 overall pick, but this is not a need that Schoen can afford to wait on filling.

The Giants were on hand for Bernhard Raimann’s pro day at Central Michigan, and Daniel Faalele could be an intriguing option if the Schoen looks to plug the hole in Round 2 or 3.

This upcoming season is all about evaluating whether Jones is the long-term solution at quarterback. But, nothing matters more in this draft than taking major strides toward forming a bookend with left tackle Andrew Thomas for years to come.

Failing to do so would make this draft a failure for Schoen and the New York Giants.