Trying to make sense of a weird Day 2 by the NY Giants

NY Giants Round 3 (67 Overall) Joshua Ezeudu, OG, North Carolina

With the likes of Cole Strange being a surprise first-round pick, entering Day 2 it looked like slim pickings for starting level interior offensive line pieces in this draft. This was even more so the case by the time round three came around, with Cam Jurgens, Luke Goedeke, and Ed Ingram being taken in the second round. Schoen and Daboll still had a plan to address the position, selecting North Carolina guard Joshua Ezeudu.

Ezeudu fits a consistent theme Schoen and the Giants are trying to bring to this offensive line – versatility. In 2021 Ezeudu started 12 games for the Tarheels, splitting time between both left tackle and left guard.

He even played different positions on the same drive during games, an incredible testimony to his versatility. Over the past three seasons, he played snaps at all positions on the line other than center, only giving up a combined 2 sacks in the three years, per PFF.

Offensive line coach Bobby Johnson worked out with the prospect at his pro day and it’s fair to assume the Giants believe they could mold him into a piece of this roster that contributes to the rebuild, with perhaps a long-term goal that involves him starting at left guard for the team.

The thought process in selecting Ezeudu is certainly clear, with this line now being full of dual position players. He is by no means an instant starter at the position, but as the Giants know better than most teams, it is important to have depth at a variety of positions on the offensive line. When he no doubt gets his chance to play, the front office clearly has hopes he can step up to his third-round value.