The New York Giants are in the market for a long-term solution not only at left tackle, but at center as well. They have shown interest in Michigan’s Carlos Ruiz and are also interested in Matt Hennessy of Temple.
Giants are digging deep on centers, as Dave Gettleman admitted on earlier conference call.
In addition to Cesar Ruiz, I'm told #NYG has been in contact with Temple's Matt Hennessy, including a pair of video conferences last week, per source.
Don Bosco alum could be a Day 2 fit.
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) April 13, 2020
Ruiz could be taken as early as the late first round in next week’s NFL Draft. The Giants, unless they make a deal to move up in the order like they did last year when they grabbed cornerback Deandre Baker at No. 30, will have to wait to see if Ruiz fall to them in Round 2 where they hold the fourth pick (No. 36 overall).
Hennessy projects as more of a third-round prospect, possibly even a fourth rounder. The 6-foot-4, 307-pound redshirt junior from New Jersey high school powerhouse Don Bosco Prep is getting some traction in the draft community, so if the Giants want him they’re likely to take him in the third round, where they have pick No. 99.
On a conference call on Monday, general manager Dave Gettleman was less evasive than normal as he told reporters the Giants are going to address the offensive line and that the team was exploring options at center.
The current starter is veteran Spencer Pulley, but they want to upgrade. Last year’s starter, Jon Halapio, ended the season with an Achilles injury which he is still rehabbing from. The team did not extend his tender this offseason, making him a free agent.
“We won’t know about Pio until June with the Achilles,” Gettleman told reporters. “Spencer obviously has played a ton of football. We have a lot of confidence in him. We’re working that group over pretty good in the draft. We’re always going to continue to upgrade. I’m not afraid to draft over a guy. It’s a fair question. We’re going to look at it.”
Gettleman then revealed there was a possible internal Plan B with Nick Gates sliding into the center role. Gates is a yeoman who can play all five offensive line positions if needed. He started three games at tackle last season.
“You know, just for what it’s worth, we’ve talked about Nick doing that,” Gettleman said. “He did do some of that last year in practice, so it’s not completely new. Nick is smart. The thing you love about Nick is just how tough he is, because it’s a fist fight in there. There’s no doubt about that. History tells you that the toughness of your team is really, really indicated by the toughness of your offensive line. So, we’re always looking for that kind of piece. Nick would be in consideration at center, absolutely.”
Contrary to belief, Giant fans, there is a plan here.
[lawrence-related id=644691,644735,644684]