Big Blue View
We’re looking at potential second- and third-day draft prospects
The New York Giants added a number of veteran players in free agency a year ago who helped stabilize the offensive line, at least while the group was healthy. This year, they have kept the band together by re-signing Greg Van Roten and Aaron Stinnie. They also added help on the fringes with the additions of swing tackle candidates James Hudson III and Stone Forsythe.
What the Giants have not successfully done during Joe Schoen’s tenure as GM is add quality young players to the pipeline. Only one of four offensive linemen drafted by Schoen — center John Michael Schmitz — has become at least an adequate starter.
A year ago, the Giants did not even draft a single offensive lineman.
That has to change this year. The way the 2025 NFL draft is expected to unfold, it seems highly unlikely the Giants will be using a Round 1 pick on an offensive lineman. So, let’s focus on some of the intriguing Day 2 and Day 3 possibilities for the Giants in the upcoming draft.
Additions: OT James Hudson III, OT Stone Forsythe
Losses: None
Roster: Starters — Andrew Thomas (LT), Jon Runyan Jr. (LG), John Michael Schmitz (C), Greg Van Roten (RG), Jermaine Eluemunor (RT); Reserves — Austin Schlottman (C-G), Bryan Hudson (C), Jimmy Morrissey (C), Jake Kubas (G), Josh Ezeudu (G-T), Stone Forsythe (T), James Hudson III (T), Aaron Stinnie (G), Evan Neal (T)
Draft need: Starting-caliber guard/developmental tackle depth (Day 2 or Day 3)
GUARD
Tyler Booker, Alabama — The powerful Crimson Tide guard has a Round 1-2 grade from Dane Brugler of The Athletic. If he is somehow available at No. 34 and the Giants aren’t using that pick to select or trade for a quarterback, he has to be a consideration. Brugler calls Booker “an immediate starting guard with the tools and competitive character that are easy to bet on.” [BBV Prospect Profile]
Donovan Jackson, Ohio State — Brugler has him listed as a tackle after he filled in well there for several games last season. For the Giants, he would be a plug-and-play starter at guard. [BBV Prospect Profile]
Tate Ratledge, Georgia — I am not sure how much upside there is with Ratledge, but he should be a solid player. Brugler says he “ has the necessary tools for a decade-long pro career.” Ratledge played almost exclusively at right guard, the position that may be available on the Giants offensive line. [BBV Prospect Profile]
Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona — A right tackle in 2024, he also has 15 collegiate starts at right guard and many project guard to be his best position. Chris Pflum calls him “big, powerful, and surprisingly nimble” in his [BBV Prospect Profile]
TACKLE
Ozzy Trapilo, Boston College — My offensive line focus on Day 2 is, undeniably, adding a guard who could compete for a starting role and give the Giants a long-term option to...
