4 offensive linemen the NY Giants should prioritize in free agency
By George Baker
With Bobby Johnson gone and Carmen Bricillo arriving, the New York Giants hope to stop the offensive line frenzy that has persisted since Tom Coughlin last coached in 2015. After surrendering a league-high 85 sacks, it's clear that a major roster overhaul is needed. Especially when considering the next closest teams - the Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders - numbers pale in comparison, both allowing just 65.
Heading into 2024, this Giants' O-Line has just two complete certainties - Andrew Thomas and John Michael Schmitz. With the understanding that five starters are necessary and knowing the recent O-Line injury struggles, the Giants certainly have a lot of decisions to make, including that of theNo. 6 overall pick.
Despite the Giants' lack of big spending in the O-line department in years past, they have no choice but to pay the guys who play with their hands in the dirt. Here are four offensive linemen the Giants should target in 2024 free agency:
4. OG Ezra Cleveland
After a mid-season trade brought Erza Cleveland from the Minnesota Vikings to the Jacksonville Jaguars, there was loads of confusion regarding the deal. With two solidified guards, including a superstar in Brandon Scherff, where did Cleveland fit in Jacksonville?
After starting and playing in six games for the Vikings to begin the season, a midfoot sprain saw the recent addition, Dalton Risner, shift from a short-term replacement to a rest-of-season starter. In Jacksonville, Cleveland started in five games, playing in a total of nine. While not always getting the opportunity to showcase his skills, Cleveland is as solid as they come.
His bread and butter has been run-blocking since his time at Boise State; Cleveland is constantly getting to the second level on his blocks and dominating linebackers pursuing ball carriers. Pro Football Focus ranks his positive run-block grade percentage at 17.5 percent, a testament to his abilities.
Cleveland's best quality might have nothing to do with his play on the field and be what Giants' fans have coveted for so long - durability. In both 2021 and 2022, Cleveland logged over 1,100 snaps for the Vikings and was a model of consistency while on the field. While the midfoot sprain saw him miss two games in 2023, Cleveland has shown that he can stay on the field. While likely not commanding top dollar amongst linemen, Cleveland would be a great option to plug in for the G-Men.