4 players the NY Giants must avoid in Round 1 of the NFL Draft

Sep 3, 2022; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Will Levis (7) looks to hand the ball off during the first quarter against the Miami (Oh) Redhawks at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2022; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Will Levis (7) looks to hand the ball off during the first quarter against the Miami (Oh) Redhawks at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 29, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators offensive lineman Kingsley Eguakun (65) and offensive line line up on the of scrimmage with Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Zion Logue (96) and defensive line during the first quarter at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators offensive lineman Kingsley Eguakun (65) and offensive line line up on the of scrimmage with Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Zion Logue (96) and defensive line during the first quarter at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

3. OG O’Cyrus Torrence

Similar to the inside linebacker position, Joe Schoen must improve the interior of the Giants offensive line if he wants his team to make a return trip the playoffs in 2023. The Giants offensive line likely has three starters penciled in for 2023, Evan Neal at right tackle, Andrew Thomas at left tackle, and Mark Glowinski at right guard. This leaves two major holes at the left guard and center position.

O’Cyrus Torrence is a 6-5, 347-pound athletic freak who thrives as a run blocker. After three seasons at Louisiana, Torrence transferred to Florida in 2022 and performed admirably in the nation’s toughest conference. PFF gave Torrence an elite 89.8 run blocking grade, but just 76.1 pass blocking grade.

The Giants offensive line was strong in run blocking last fall, and was ranked 14th by PFF. The passing block left a lot to be desired, as per usual, and was ranked 24th by PFF. The Giants desperately need to add strong pass blocking interior offensive lineman to protect their franchise quarterback.

The one problem for the Giants and drafting an offensive lineman, they are looking to win again in 2023. As we saw with both Evan Neal and Andrew Thomas’ rookie seasons, there is a big adjustment period for offensive linemen in their first year. Adding another rookie starter to the offensive line would not improve the unit for 2023 and there are other positions, like receiver or cornerback, the G-Men could focus on.