New York Giants: 53-man roster prediction after 2020 offseason
By Evan Orris
Offensive Line (9, 29/53)
- 1. Andrew Thomas (LT)
- 2. Will Hernandez (LG)
- 3. Nick Gates (C)
- 4. Kevin Zeitler (RG)
- 5. Nate Solder (RT)
- 6. Spencer Pulley (C)
- 7. Cam Fleming (T)
- 8. Matt Peart (T)
- 9. Shane Lemieux (G/C)
The Giants really addressed the offensive line this offseason. They used three of their first five draft picks on the line. They took Andrew Thomas with the 4th overall pick in the draft. He should be the next franchise left tackle hopefully for years to come. Meanwhile, Lemieux and Peart will likely spend a year developing before cracking the rotation.
Zeitler and Hernandez should return to their starting positions. It will be interesting to see what the Giants do with Nate Solder. Last year, he struggled as the left tackle. Will he start the season there, and have Thomas on the right side, or will he make the transition to the right side this preseason? That’s going to be a situation to keep an eye on.
The Giants also have a real competition going on for center. Jon Halapio was the starter last year, but he suffered a torn Achilles in the season finale last year. He is also currently a free agent.
Spencer Pulley was the back-up last year. Both Lemieux and Nick Gates are starting to learn how to play the center position.
Per Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post, Gates has been taking snaps with Raiders QB Derek Carr in Las Vegas. The Giants’ front office is infatuated with Gates, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets the nod at center for the first game of the season.