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The New York Giants have invested a substantial number of assets into their offensive line over the past decade and have little to show for it. It continues to be the leading concern of many and despite the team’s current level of confidence, the unit is not exactly inspiring.
Arguably, the Giants got worse across their offensive line this offseason, parting ways with veteran Kevin Zeitler and replacing him with Zach Fulton. Meanwhile, Andrew Thomas will return at left tackle after an up-and-down rookie campaign, Nick Gate will start at center for the second straight year and right tackle will be determined via training camp battle between Matt Peart and Nate Solder.
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Shane Lemieux, who Pro Football Focus graded out as one of the worst offensive linemen in football a season ago, will also factor in at the guard position. Ditto for former second-round pick Will Hernandez.
Perhaps more than the rest, Hernandez is an interesting case. He started every game for the Giants since being drafted until coming down with COVID-19 last season. He was replaced and eventually supplanted by the aforementioned Lemieux and is not guaranteed to win a starting job this year.
For that reason, in a breakdown of 32 players who should fear the chopping block, Patrik Walker of CBS Sports listed Hernandez among them.
One of the most highly-touted lineman of his draft class, Hernandez has been a combination of flash and disappointment over the course of his rookie contract in New York. He’s gone from being full-time starter to missing time due to COVID-19 and returning as a rotational player. In his absence, it was Shane Lemieux who plugged in and played admirably, something that caught the attention of both head coach Joe Judge and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett — two individuals who weren’t around when Dave Gettleman drafted Hernandez and, as such, don’t have any “draft loyalty” to him. Entering the final year of his deal, there’s enough value to potentially trade Hernandez and use the cap savings elsewhere, especially if undrafted rookie Jake Burton raises some eyebrows.
Given how weak the Giants are across their O-line, it’s hard to envision any scenario in which Hernandez gets sent packing after training camp. The last thing New York can afford to do is thin out Daniel Jones’ protection even further, especially by giving up on a player with Hernandez’s potential.
While Hernandez has yet to live up to his draft pedigree, the Giants are in no position to cut bait and run.
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