Big Blue View
The New York Giants finally feel good about their offensive line heading into the 2026 season.
The biggest long-term question on the line is the left guard position currently manned by Jon Runyan Jr., who will be a free agent after the 2026 season. If we assume that none of the Giants’ current reserve interior linemen are able to beat Runyan out and make him a cap casualty — or establish themselves as an obvious heir — the left guard position is an obvious need for 2027.
As things stand now, the offensive interior doesn’t appear to be a position of strength in the upcoming draft. That could make Minnesota left guard Greg Johnson, who enters the season with a round 3 grade on the consensus big board, one of the players to watch for the giants. He has a number of traits that could appeal to the Giants if they turn to the draft for Runyan’s replacement.
What does Johnson bring to the field? And can he take the next step to become a player the Giants should target?
Johnson has great size for an offensive lineman and is listed at 6-foot-6, 325 pounds. He looks the part with a big, thick frame, particularly in his lower half. Despite his obvious size, he moves well for an interior lineman and was even able to be an emergency starter at tackle. Johnson started two games at tackle for Minnesota, one at left tackle and one at right tackle.
Johnson is quick out of his stance and shows the ability to fire forward on downhill runs with good explosiveness as well as pad level. He has the power to displace defenders and distort the line of scrimmage when he engages with good leverage and drives. Likewise, Johnson has enough athleticism to execute zone blocking techniques, work to the second level off of double teams, or get out in front of screens.
Minnesota uses a relatively diverse running scheme, and Johnson played well in both downhill gap schemes as well as both inside and outside zone schemes.
His athleticism also shows up in pass defense. Johnson has enough mobility to mirror most interior defenders as well as redirect to account for loopers on stunts and twists, or pick up interior blitzers. His strength allows him to anchor against power rushers, as well as stonewall speed rushers as long as he’s able to get a piece of them.
Finally, Johnson plays with excellent competitive toughness. Not only does he strive to sustain his blocks for as long as possible or actively look for work if he isn’t initially engaged, he looks for opportunities to have the last word. Johnson plays with a definite nasty streak and consistently ends plays with an extra shove or attempts to leave his opponent on the ground.
The biggest issue in Johnson’s game comes down to consistency in technique.
Johnson has the ability to play with...
