Young NY Giants lineman proves vs. Lions he can't play LT ever again
Last season, one of the worst parts of the NY Giants offensive line was second-year player Joshua Ezeudu lining up at left tackle. The 2022 third-round pick showed some promise as a run-blocker in Year 1 as a guard. However, due to injury and depth issues, he was forced to slide over to tackle and did not perform well.
Despite this, the Giants, for some reason, have opted to keep Ezeudu at left tackle. In the team's preseason debut against the Lions, we were all reminded why this was a bad idea. Remember, Ezeudu was going up against mostly backup-level players and still managed to play poorly.
Josh Ezeudu at left tackle was one key reason for these issues. Giants should have known this from last year. What are they doing? https://t.co/5dUzt1a5qq
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) August 8, 2024
It is now clear that former offensive line coach Bobby Johnson was not to blame for Ezeudu's failures. Regardless of when it happens, something must change, as this level of play from Ezeudu is unacceptable moving forward. Luckily, stud LT Andrew Thomas will be the starter, but if he gets injured again, Ezeudu can't be the first guy off the bench to replace him.
The Joshua Ezeudu-left tackle experiment must end before Week 1
When he was drafted No. 67 overall in 2022, Ezeudu was an offensive guard out of UNC with potential to be a great run-blocker in the league. While he didn't see the field much during his rookie season, Ezeudu was given a chance to be a starter in '23, except he would be seeing the field at tackle.
Ezeudu did see over 400 snaps at left tackle in college, but it was clear his primary position was guard. Not only was his size ideal on the interior, but his playing style fit it better as well. So, while we understand putting him at tackle due to injury, it doesn't make much sense to keep him there anymore.
Got to think the Giants will look at possible OT’s for their next round of workouts to add depth and a possible swing tackle. Joshua Ezeudu just doesn’t seem to have it and Evan Neal is on PUP. Brian Daboll, Joe Schoen and Carmen Bricillo should look at all available options.
— Doug Rush (@TheDougRush) August 9, 2024
Through six games at left tackle last season, Ezeudu allowed five sacks and 12 pressures, earning a PFF pass-blocking grade of 39.3. While he definitely had some bright moments, especially throughout the first two games of the season, every other game was frustrating. He continuously proved to Brian Daboll that he was a liability on the outside.
Hopefully, the coaching staff can come to their senses and put Ezeudu in the position he deserves to be in. You can never have enough interior offensive line depth and Ezeudu could still play a valuable role on the Giants moving forward, it just won't be at tackle.
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