Top 4 Round 2 players the NY Giants must target in 2022 NFL Draft
By Toby Grundy
NY Giants Round 2 Draft Target: Zion Johnson, OG, Boston College
According to the ESPN analytics draft day predictor tool, there’s a 20% chance Zion Johnson will be available for the Giants at pick 36… So you’re telling me there’s a chance? Most commonly seen in the 20-30 overall range of mock drafts, it’s very likely Johnson will be a first-round pick.
He’s in this article, however, because this would be a dream scenario for the Giants. It is no secret that the offensive line in New York has been terrible over the past few years. The team is in desperate need of reinforcements at almost all positions along the line.
This is where Johnson becomes particularly interesting for the Giants. A three-year starter at Boston College, he played all over the line in his collegiate career. While most likely an interior player at the professional level, his versatility to slot in at tackle if needed would no doubt be appreciated by the Giants.
Johnson is an incredible athlete, a key reason he can play so many different positions on the line. He completed 32 reps on the bench press at the combine, most by all offensive linemen. He pairs that strength with incredible agility as well, finishing in the top five in the vertical jump, 3 cone drill, and 20-yard shuttle out of all offensive lineman.
Giants fans can dare to dream of plays involving Johnson pulling to the outside and leading the way for Saquon Barkley to break open a chunk play. The possibilities are endless with a physical talent such as Johnson in New York.
The team could enter training camp with a first-round tackle such as Charles Cross and a versatile interior piece in Johnson. Add to that free agent signing Mark Glowinski and Joe Schoen may have accomplished in four months what Dave Gettleman couldn’t in four years – fixing the offensive line.