The new York Giants can’t really go wrong with the No. 4 overall selection in this year’s NFL Draft. They can land a stud defender such as Isaiah Simmons of Clemson or if the heavens part their way, Ohio State’s Chase Young could miraculously fall into their laps.
If they choose to go offense, this is the year for offensive tackles. Mekhi Beckham of Louisville is a massive, athletic kid who could have an Orlando Pace-like effect on the Giants’ offense. There’s also Jedrick Wills. Jr. of Alabama and Georgia’s Andrew Thomas.
Daniel Jeremiah of the NFL Network believes the Giants will opt for Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs, a 6-foot-5, 322-pound underclassman who was the Big 10’s Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2019.
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Wirfs knocked it out of the park at the NFL Combine last week, running a 4.85 40-yard dash and showing a solid balance of size, strength and speed.
“Lots of good options here, but protecting QB Daniel Jones is the priority,” said Jeremiah. “Wirfs is a big, powerful offensive tackle. In pass protection, he launches out of his stance and hasn’t had issues versus outside speed rushers. However, he has experienced issues against inside counter moves. He over-sets and struggles to redirect back inside, allowing too many pressures in the games I studied. When he can land his punch, it’s over. His hands are so strong and he has the power base to end the play right there. In the run game, he is very strong and aggressive. He creates a ton of movement, but also will overextend and fall off at times. He’s on the ground too much.
“I love his aggressive demeanor, but he needs to play more under control. Overall, I believe he can survive at tackle, but he’d benefit from playing with neighbors on both sides. I think Wirfs has All-Pro potential at guard.”
Uh…he can’t play left tackle? I mean the reviews of his play are glowing, but I’m sorry, the Giants need to draft a lock-down, 10-year left tackle at this spot. They have guards. They have right tackle prospects. They need to replace Nate Solder on the left side. Now.
If they pass on Simmons and choose Wirfs over Becton and the others, and he can’t play left tackle, they would have squandered another huge Day 1 opportunity at the draft table.
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