Giants draft guard Shane Lemieux: 5 things to know

The New York Giants selected Oregon’s Shane Lemieux in Round 5 of the 2020 NFL Draft, and here are five things to know about the guard.

The New York Giants selected Oregon guard Shane Lemieux with the 150th pick in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft on Saturday.

Here are five things to know about Lemieux:

AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall

Combine results

Lemieux (6’4″, 310) ran a 5.11 40 and had a 4.9 second 20-yard shuttle at the NFL Combine in February.

Twitter reacts to Giants’ selection Shane Lemieux

How did Twitter react to the New York Giants’ selection of Oregon guard Shane Lemieux in Round 5 of the 2020 NFL Draft?

New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman promised that he would address the offensive line in the 2020 NFL Draft and he was not kidding.

In the fifth round and with the 150th pick of the draft, the Giants selected Oregon guard Shane Lemieux.

Lemeiux is the third offensive linemen selected in the draft. The Giants took Andrew Thomas out of Georgia with the fourth overall selection and Matt Peart from Connecticut in the third round.

Social media reacted to the Giants selection of Lemeiux in the fifth round.

 

2020 NFL Draft: Giants select OG Shane Lemieux in Round 5

With their fifth pick (No. 150 overall) in the 2020 NFL Draft, the New York Giants select Oregon OG Shane Lemieux.

With their fifth pick (No. 150 overall) in the 2020 NFL Draft, the New York Giants select Oregon guard Shane Lemieux.

Despite needs at center, edge rusher and wide receiver, the Giants continued to beef up other positions along the offensive line with Lemieux. And although they have Kevin Zeitler and Will Hernandez in tow, Lemieux was considered one of the best at his position in 2019.

Here is what our friends at Draft Wire had to say about Lemieux:

A four-year starter at guard on a talented Oregon offensive line, Lemieux is a reliable blocker who plays with a high motor and a mean streak. He can stand to improve as a pass protector, and his technique can be sharpened up a bit, but he has the potential to develop into a solid starter with time.

The second-team All-American was ranked the No. 15 interior offensive line prospect available by Pro Football Focus, but he has only ever played left guard. That will limit what the Giants can do with him, especially since he’s not going to leap-frog either Hernandez or Zeitler.

Still, the selection of Lemieux proves the Giants are determined to legitimately fix their offensive line “once and for all” by adding as much talent and depth as possible.

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2020 NFL Draft Ranking: Guards

2020 NFL Draft Ranking: Guards

The Cleveland Browns are getting to be addressing the offensive tackle position early, but they are also going to be looking to add another contributor to the interior. This year’s guard class is weaker than most, but there are a few players who are ready to contribute immediately.

Just a reminder that I grade generously and optimistically.

Most writers only rank 20-25 first-round grades and that is probably more indicative of their talent rather than where they are selected. I rank prospects based on the highest I could possibly see them be snagged.

Just a reminder that I grade like I make love: generously

Most writers only rank 20-25 first-round grades and that is probably more indicative of their talent rather than where they are selected. I rank prospects based on the highest I could possibly see them be snagged.

1st Round

1. Robert Hunt, Louisiana-Lafayette, 6-5, 323 pounds

Hunt is an already large individual and he looks like he could potentially add even more weight while still maintaining his surprisingly quick feet. He also provides versatility as he could play tackle if need be. The biggest obstacle for Hunt is that he struggles against counter-moves.

2. Netane Muti, Fresno St., 6-3, 315 pounds

Muti is an absolute stud and showed off his versatility, dominating at both guard and tackle while in college. He has immense potential, but he is a polarizing prospect due to concerns about his health. Muti only played two games in 2018 due to an Achilles tear and three games in 2019 due to a Lisfranc injury.

3. Ben Bredeson, Michigan, 6-5, 315 pounds

Bredeson was the true star in the Wolverine offense as he rarely had a bad game as a four-year starter. His strength and size allow him to thrive on the inside and this should allow him to see time sooner rather than later. A few teams maybe turned off by Bredeson due to his lack of ideal athleticism.

4. John Simpson, Clemson, 6-4, 321 pounds

The All-American dominates in the run game and loves to find work in the second level. He looks like how a GM would create a mauling guard and he plays with that style as well. Simpson has missed one or two blocks, but that can likely be chalked up to sloppiness, but there are athletic concerns too.

5. Damien Lewis, LSU, 6-2, 327 pounds

Lewis is a former JUCO stud that once he found his footing at LSU started 27 games in a row at right guard. All-SEC player who was vital in helping the Tigers win the Joe Moore Award for the nation’s best line. Lewis has the ideal body size for an immovable object. Lewis is a bit rough in the passing game and that will need work at the next level.

2nd Round

6. Shane Lemieux, Oregon, 6-4, 310 pounds

Lemieux loves to drive opponents into the dirt, but also has quick enough feet to work in space and can be special when asked to pull as a lead blocker. Like Lewis, Lemieux is not the most ideal pass protector and this will need to improve for him to start at the next level.

7. Solomon Kindley, Georgia, 6-3, 337 pounds

Kindley is a three-year starter with 32 starts under his belt. He was recruited as a tackle, but made the transition early in his college career and saw extensive minutes on both the left and right side. He loves looking for working until the whistle blows. Kindley is still fairly raw as he often just needed his strength to win in college. He may need a red-shirt season.

8. Logan Stenberg, Kentucky, 6-6, 317 pounds

Stenberg is arguably the best in the class in working in close quarters and has the ideal strength that should allow that trait to transition to the NFL. He has a powerful initial punch. Stenberg would be ranked higher on this list, but he is not the ideal athlete teams look for.

9. Ezra Cleveland, Boise St., 6-6, 311 pounds

Cleveland is a three-year starter at tackle for an extremely fast-paced offense and he only helped himself with a fantastic Senior Bowl week. He also has great size with the potential to add more weight. Cleveland had a very impressive combine, but I don’t see that athleticism on film and believe he gets beat by more athletic edge rushers if he remains at tackle.

10. Ben Bartch, St. Johns, 6-6, 309 pounds

Bartch thrives when moving to the second level and maybe the best in the class at attacking downfield. This is likely due to his tight end roots as he only made the transition to tackle in college. Bartch is still a raw prospect with a ton of room to grow, but he is still learning the position and his level of competition did him no favors.

11. Jonah Jackson, Ohio St., 6-3, 306 pounds

Jackson has impressive hands with the strength to hold onto a defender as long as needed. His hands are also very active and quick and he can reset them when needed, especially against counter-moves. He also has excellent ability to mirror defenders. Jackson is not the best athlete.

12. Tremayne Anchrum, Clemson, 6-2, 314 pounds

Anchrum was All-ACC this past season and has been the starter at right tackle for the Tigers the last two years. He has been a vital part of the team’s 29-1 record the last two seasons and his versatility will help at the next level as well. Anchrum best projects to guard due to his severe lack of length.

3rd Round

13. Simon Stepaniak, Indiana, 6-4, 313 pounds

Stepaniak has a ton of experience as he started 31 games for the Hoosiers and has obvious leadership qualities as he was named team captain. He also provides versatility as he played extensively on both the left and right sides. He does have the ideal size to go with the requisite strength, but lacks the length most teams are wanting and is not an option as tackle.

14. Calvin Throckmorton, Oregon, 6-5, 317 pounds

Throckmorton is arguably the most consistent and versatile lineman in this class as he has taken snaps all across the line. He has a good frame to land on the inside at the next level. Throckmorton doesn’t have the explosive initial get off needed to stay at tackle and this isn’t ideal at guard either. Browns fans will remember former 2016 fifth round selection, Spencer Drango and Throckmorton shares a lot of the same traits as Drango, but with a tad higher ceiling.

15. Kevin Dotson, Louisiana-Lafayette, 6-4, 310 pounds

There is a lot to like about Dotson, he is built like the prototypical guard and he plays with ideal strength. He also has the length needed to play at the next level and can thrive in space and land body blows when on the move. Dotson likes his job and takes joy in putting dudes in the dirt. The problem with Dotson is he is not the smoothest pass protector.

16. Jon Runyan, Michigan, 6-4, 306 pounds

Runyan plays like a prospect with NFL bloodlines as he is a fairly technical player and he provides instant versatility considering that he played tackle in college. Runyan can play in the NFL for ten seasons as he has the football IQ to remain on rosters. He projects best at guard though due to his struggles in the passing game.

17. Terence Steele, Texas Tech, 6-6, 312 pounds

Steele was red-shirted in 2015 and immediately became the starting left tackle in 2016 and eventually started 37 games in a row at right tackle. Don’t let the lack of post-season honors fool you. Steele was one of the better linemen in the Big -12 and has the ideal length with a wingspan of 85 1/8 inches and 35 7/8 inch arms, which were some of the best numbers at the combine and Senior Bowl.

Steele is a waist bender and this bad habit needs to change and makes it hard to project him at tackle as edge rushers will eat that up. Steele has a similar profile to that of former Houston Texan, Chris Clark. That has made this a common comparison, but Steele has a higher ceiling than the ten-year veteran.

18. Steven Gonzalez, Penn St., 6-4, 341 pounds

Gonzalez plays with great strength and was named All-Big 10 after having another dominating season. He has plenty of experience as he has been the starter at left guard the last three seasons for the Nittany Lions. Gonzalez doesn’t have the quickest feet even for someone of his size they are a bit underwhelming.

19. Daishawn Dixon. San Diego St., 6-5, 330 pounds

Dixon is a prime candidate to be an immediate impact player and is the potential sleeper in this group. Dixon has dominated his competition as a three-year starter at left guard in a pro-style offense and has the right body type; all these combined means an easy transition to the NFL. Dixon isn’t ranked higher due to his lack of ideal athleticism and time will tell how much this hinders him.

4th Round

20. Gage Cervenka, Clemson, 6-3, 325 pounds

21. Marcus Keyes, Oklahoma St., 6-4, 315 pounds

22. Kyle Murphy, Rhode Island, 6-3, 316 pounds

23. Tre’Vour Wallace-Simms, Missouri, 6-5, 330 pounds

24. Michael Onwenu, Michigan, 6-3, 344 pounds

25. John Phillips, Boston College, 6-6, 305 pounds

26. Scott Frantz, Kansas St., 6-5, 303 pounds

7th Round

27. Zack Johnson, North Dakota St., 6-6, 310 pounds

28. Dallas Warmack, Oregon, 6-2, 310 pounds

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2020 NFL draft: Shane Lemieux scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Oregon offensive line prospect Shane Lemieux

Shane Lemieux | OL | Oregon

Elevator Pitch

A four-year starter at guard on a talented Oregon offensive line, Lemieux is a reliable blocker who plays with a high motor and a mean streak. He can stand to improve as a pass protector, and his technique can be sharpened up a bit, but he has the potential to develop into a solid starter with time.

Vitals

Height | 6-4

Weight | 310

College Bio Page

Strengths

While some offensive linemen in this class have more flash than Lemieux does, there aren’t too many players that have the grit that he has.

A portly and well-proportioned blocker, Lemieux has a wide frame that packs plenty of raw strength into it. He packs a powerful punch at the point of attack and has the grip strength to latch onto a defender and seal them off to create running lanes for his teammates. His lower body also carries plenty of strength, as he keeps his legs churning when engaged with his opponents to drive them back and pound them into the dirt. That power also helps him in pass protection, where he has the recovery strength in his anchor and core to neutralize bull rushes and other power rushes.

Lemieux plays with a high motor and fights hard on every down to win the rep. He has shown some capabilities of being able to block on the move, as he takes good angles as a down blocker or a pull blocker to create holes in the ground game. He has an impressive resume too, as he was a four-year starter at left guard who was named a second-team All-American by the Associated Press. His reputation as a leader on Oregon’s offensive line should help further boost his appeal.

Weaknesses

Though Lemieux brings a high floor to the table, he doesn’t bring a sky-high ceiling. He isn’t a stellar athlete, as while he can block with coordination at the second level and while on the move, he doesn’t have very good lateral agility in pass protection. He tends to struggle against stunting edge rushers, blitzes, and explosive and slipper interior defenders.

Lemieux has some technical flaws to his game, as well. His pad level is inconsistent, and he could stand to sink his hips on more of a regular basis and avoiding shooting upright. He has shown some flashes in his hand placement, but there are times when his strikes are misplaced and mistimed. His overall range as a blocker is fairly limited.

Projection: Day 3

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4 Oregon Ducks the Seahawks could target in the NFL Draft

The Oregon Ducks just hosted their Pro Day, and there are four players the Seattle Seahawks could target from Oregon in the 2020 NFL draft.

While many colleges are cancelling their upcoming Pro Day events in light of the coronavirus pandemic, the Oregon Ducks went ahead and held theirs without a hitch.

While standout quarterback Justin Herbert was the main story, this team has tons of other draftable players, many who could appeal to the Seattle Seahawks.

The Seahawks have been known to mine talent from Eugene in the past – including nickel corner Ugo Amadi and former Legion of Boom backup corner Walter Thurmond – and while there are not any defensive backs for Pete Carroll and company to scout from the Ducks, here are four players, including three offensive linemen, the Seahawks could pursue in the NFL draft from the University of Oregon.

Broncos met with OL Shane Lemieux at NFL combine

The Broncos interviewed Oregon guard Shane Lemieux at the NFL combine last month.

The Denver Broncos interviewed Oregon offensive lineman Shane Lemieux at the NFL combine last week, according to KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis.

Lemieux (6-4, 310 pounds) ran a 40-yard dash in 5.11 seconds and ran a 20-yard shuttle in 4.9 seconds at the combine. He also posted a vertical jump of 25.5 inches and a broad jump of 107 inches.

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein has compared Lemieux to Laken Tomlinson, who was selected by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2015 draft.

“He should be OK as a run blocker early on, but his issues in pass protection might not be quickly fixed and could push him into the ‘good backup, eventual starter’ category,” Zierlein wrote of Lemieux.

Lemieux is the fourth-best interior offensive lineman in this year’s class, according to Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling. He is projected to be a first- or second-round pick in April’s draft, according to WalterFootball.com.

The draft will take place in Las Vegas from April 23-25.

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Assessing the Jags’ top-7 positional needs heading into 2020 offseason

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a lot of needs, but luckily they at least have the draft capital to make some progress on fixing the roster.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have made their decisions on moving forward with Doug Marrone and Dave Caldwell, which now means fans can now look forward to free-agency and the draft. If there was one thing that can be taken away from the 2019 season it’s the fact that the Jags have a ton of needs, and in all probability, they won’t be able to address all of them.

Regardless, we’ve decided to evaluate the Jags’ biggest needs based off how the Jags’ last season which resulted in a 6-10 record. Here’s how we rank each need at the moment:

Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

7. Wide receiver

Heading into the 2018 season I felt as though the Jags’ receiver corps was a strength of the Jags, but after watching the season unfold, there is room for improvement. Clearly, DJ Chark Jr. was the No. 1 player within the group and proved to be a stud, racking up 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns. His 2019 campaign made him the youngest receiver in franchise history to garner 1,000 receiving yards (alongside Allen Robinson) and the first receiver since 2015 to hit that mark (which was also held by Robinson).

Behind Chark, however, there are question marks. Dede Westbrook, who many (including myself) was high on, had a very average campaign in 2019 where drops were an issue for him. Chris Conley flashed on occasions and was the team’s No. 2 statistically (775 yards), but he too had some drops that were concerning.

All of that said, receiver isn’t a huge need for the Jags but with the strongest receiver class fans have seen in quite some time arriving in 2020, the Jags could have a grand opportunity to make their receivers group elite. If they truly use a best available player method in the first-round, their No. 9 overall pick looks like the sweet spot to land the No. 1 receiver in the class. Whether that’s Jerry Jeudy or CeeDee Lamb varies between draft pundits, but both are simply too good for a team lacking offensive fire power to pass on.

Jags land CB CJ Henderson, WR CeeDee Lamb and help for both lines in Draft Wire mock

Depending on how the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Week 12 game against the Tennessee Titans goes, fans of the team could be looking towards the draft by Sunday night. Then again, even if the Jags can defeat the Tennessee Titans we’re nearing that time …

Depending on how the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Week 12 game against the Tennessee Titans goes, fans of the team could be looking towards the draft by Sunday night. Then again, even if the Jags can defeat the Tennessee Titans we’re nearing that time where the NFL Draft is starting to become very important.

Our comrade Luke Easterling of Draft Wire released another mock draft a few days ago, and for Jags fans, it might be the most impressive one yet. The team was able to land playmakers while addressing needs, too, starting with their two first-round selections of Oklahoma receiver CeeDee Lamb and Florida Gators corner CJ Henderson.

12. Jacksonville Jaguars
CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR)
CJ Henderson, CB, Florida

Lamb is no stranger to Jags fans as he’s been mocked to Jacksonville several times before by Draft Wire. Our thoughts on that pick can be seen here.

Henderson is a player Jags fans are unquestionably familiar with, too, due to a majority of their fans being Gators fans. With Jalen Ramsey no longer on the roster, targeting a cornerback early wouldn’t be shocking for the Jags — and landing Henderson, who is a super lanky prospect with great athleticism would be a welcomed addition to the Jags’ questionable defense.

After the first-round, Easterling slotted the Jags two more players who addressed needs in Oregon offensive lineman Shane Lemieux and Auburn defensive lineman Nick Coe.

46. Jacksonville Jaguars
Shane Lemieux, OL, Oregon

77. Jacksonville Jaguars
Nick Coe, DL, Auburn

Lemieux fits the trend we mentioned with Henderson in terms of athleticism. He’d be a great fit with the Jags needing interior line help as Andrew Norwell has been a very underwhelming free agent addition and Brandon Linder hasn’t played to his hefty contract either. He’d especially give the Jags an option to replace Norwell, who lacks the athleticism and movement skills of Lemieux.

Coe is another player Draft Wire has mocked to the Jags previously. At 6-foot-5, 291-pounds, he’s a versatile player who could play in the interior or outside similar to Calais Campbell. With the veteran getting up there in age, Coe is another player who could be brought in to learn from Campbell like Taven Bryan and eventually could be a starter at some point. It’s also worth noting that Coe makes sense for the Jags because Marcell Dareus could be a cap casualty next season, too.