The New York Giants made some big splashes in NFL free agency thus far, which is to be expected from any big market sports team. The team signed disruptive defensive interior lineman Leonard Williams to a hefty contract extension and added possibly the best wide receiver in this year's free agency class in Kenny Golladay. Veteran tight end Kyle Rudolph was added to the mix. One of the more quiet moves that could pay dividends was acquiring speedster John Ross.
Just by looking at these names, one can tell that health will be paramount in how the Giants' next season shapes up. Several of these players have had serious injuries in the past.
The G-Men finished last season with a paltry 6-10 record in the NFL's worst division. Despite a busy offseason, they still have many holes on the roster. The most pressing one being their offensive line.
Giants quarterback Daniel Jones hit the sophomore slump last season and it showed in his 11 touchdowns to 10 interceptions record. Not all of this is Jones' fault though. He did not have too many weapons to work with in the passing game and star running back Saquon Barkley went down with a devastating ACL injury just two games in, which meant teams could key in on Jones. A big culprit to the regression of Jones was the poor play of the offensive line.
Tackle Nate Solder opted out and the rookies did not pan out. It has just been one season, but the Giantst not be feeling too good after taking Andrew Thomas off the board as the first offensive lineman when fellow rookie tackles Tristan Wirfs and Mekhi Becton had much better performances.
The front office went on to select another tackle and a guard in the same draft. Jonotthan Harrison and Zach Fulton were also added in free agency, but they project to be more of depth pieces.
With the question marks surrounding the unit, the best way to approach the problem is to draft a versatile chess piece. There are few prospects who fit the bill more than Northwestern's Rashawn Slater. He played tackle in college, although at 6'4, 304 pounds, he is best suited to play inside. Should the need arise to play tackle again, he should be more than capable to step up to the plate.
The term “athletic freak” is thrown around quite often in professional sports, but Slater is deserving to be called such. Just look at his 40-yard dash. Slater is very mobile and has the speed and burst to attack the next level of opposing defenses.
He is more of a high-floor, low-ceiling prospect, but he is just what the Giants need to shore up their line. The jewel for the position is Oregon's Penei Sewell, but Slater should not be regarded as just a consolation prize.
The fact that the Giants gave Jones a legitimate number one option in the passing game, along with other weapons, suggests that they have faith in him. However, if he is not adequately protected all that will be for naught.