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New York Giants Add Offensive Linemen Help Late In 2017 NFL Draft Process

By Kenneth Teape

Oct 1, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers offensive lineman Adam Bisnowaty (69) blocks at the line of scrimmage against Marshall Thundering Herd safety C.J. Reavis (1) during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won 43-27. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers offensive lineman Adam Bisnowaty (69) blocks at the line of scrimmage against Marshall Thundering Herd safety C.J. Reavis (1) during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won 43-27. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Giants waited until the very end of the 2017 NFL Draft to address their need along the offensive line.

Arguably the biggest need for the New York Giants coming into this offseason was the offensive line. The offensive line struggled in 2016, as the Giants had the worst tackle combo in the NFL. Ereck Flowers and Bobby Hart looked overmatched as liabilities along the offensive line all season. It made sense for the Giants to look to upgrade there.

The Giants didn’t upgrade it much during free agency. The Giants signed former first-round pick D.J. Fluker, who should help at guard and right tackle. John Jerry was also re-signed, as he had his best season in the NFL at right guard for the Giants in 2016.

Many people figured the Giants would target an offensive lineman in the 2017 NFL Draft. The Giants reportedly had their eyes set on Utah offensive tackle, Garett Bolles. The Giants never had a chance to select Bolles, as he was selected by the Denver Broncos 20th overall.

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Bolles was the first offensive lineman selected in the 2017 NFL Draft, so there were other players the Giants could have targeted. Wisconsin’s Ryan Ramczyk was the last pick of the first round. Forrest Lamp fell into the second round, and the Giants passed on Temple’s Dion Dawkins and Western Michigan’s Taylor as well.

As the rounds went on, the Giants kept passing on an offensive lineman. The Giants would not select an offensive lineman until the sixth round. The Giants selected Pittsburgh offensive tackle Adam Bisnowaty with the 200th pick. The Giants traded up to land him, trading their sixth and seventh round pick to the Tennessee Titans.

Bisnowaty is huge at 6-feet-5 5/8 inches tall and 304 pounds. He plays with an edge and with a lot of toughness, which helps overcome his lack of athleticism and shorter arms. He had 43 career starts at Pittsburgh, so he brings a ton of experience with him, which is nice.

His physical shortcomings could push him inside, or possibly right tackle. He could help the Giants in the run game, but he is unlikely to help much at left tackle. He was not the only offensive lineman that the Giants added, as they were busy in the undrafted player pool.

When doing an interview with WFAN, general manager Jerry Reese said the Giants signed USC offensive tackle Chad Wheeler and Tennessee State tackle Jessamen Dunker. The Giants are hoping that could strike gold with these undrafted free agents.

Wheeler was a priority free agent, someone the Giants targeted right from the start. A large portion of the Giants $98,340 undrafted free agent spending pool went to Wheeler. The Giants offered him a $20,000 signing bonus and guaranteed another $10,000 in base salary according to a source.

Wheeler was the 15th ranked tackle by ESPN’s Mel Kiper coming into the draft. Reese believes off-field issues were a reason for him dropping out of the draft. He also had an extensive injury history and lacks some physical attributes for an NFL offensive tackle, such as arm length.

In Dunker, the Giants are getting one of the better athletes for an offensive lineman in this year’s class. That should not be surprising, as Dunker began his collegiate career at Florida before ending up at Tennessee State. He was there in large part because of an arrest in January 2013.

https://twitter.com/Giants/status/858434191264034820

Like Bisnowaty and Wheeler, Dunker has less than ideal arm length. But, unlike those two, Dunker has the athleticism to overcome it. He could develop into a starting left tackle in a zone-blocking scheme like the one the Giants use. Dunker probably has the highest ceiling of the three offensive linemen that the Giants added. He also has carries the most character and accountability concerns of the three.

All three players bring something to like to the table. There is versatility in their game, as their experience at tackle could come in handy down the road even if they are moved to guard. If the Giants can get contributions from at least one of them, even as a swing tackle or backup guard, they will be happy.

Next: Complete 2017 NFL Draft First Round Grades

Building a foundation to the roster happens in the early rounds of the drafts. If you want to truly become an elite team, finding gems late in the draft or in the undrafted player pool is a must. The Giants are hoping they find their next late round or undrafted gem within this group of offensive linemen.

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