[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbx61yex5whq8aq player_id=none image=https://giantswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]
The New York Giants spent what little money they had addressing their offensive line in free agency. Most of the additions were along the interior, including the signing of Jon Feliciano, who is expected to start at center.
But general manager Joe Schoen is far from finished and he’s acknowledged that, telling reporters last week that O-Line remains a primary concern.
“The offensive line is important,” Schoen said during his pre-draft press conference. “I’m privy to recently where the offensive line was. We tried through free agency with the resources we have to upgrade the offensive line the best we can. That will continue through the draft.
“Again, if you want to build it up on both sides of the ball, build it up front. Offensive line, that’s very important.”
The Giants will almost certainly select an offensive tackle with one of their two first-round pick, but that likely won’t be all. They have additional needs, both short-term and long-term, especially along the interior.
One potential option the Giants could turn to is Nebraska center Cameron Jurgens, who Troy Pauline of Pro Football Network reports the team is quite interested in.
I’ve always felt Jurgens on Day 2 is much better value than Linderbaum in the first round. So, where does the Nebraska junior end up? Sources say Jurgens does not get past the Philadelphia Eagles’ 51st pick at the latest. The Baltimore Ravens have shown a ton of interest in Jurgens, and their second-round pick — the 45th of the draft — makes a lot of sense.
Earlier in the round, the Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, New York Giants, and Chicago Bears are teams showing a lot of interest in Jurgens.
But it’s not just Jurgens who the Giants are interested in. Pauline adds that they’ve also had eyes on Tennessee-Chattanooga center Cole Strange.
He also had private meetings and a workout for the Cincinnati Bengals. Both those teams are the ones to watch as the second round closes out. The New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks have shown a ton of interest in Strange and could target him at the top of Round 3.
It’s lying season, so it’s important to take all of these reports with a grain of salt. However, the Giants are uncertain about the future of Nick Gates and Feliciano is only signed to a one-year deal. They’re going to need some insurance at center, and that may come early-ish in the 2022 NFL draft.
Follow the Giants Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts