New York Giants Draft Prospect to Watch This Weekend – Sept. 23

Another week, another New York Giants loss. If they don’t turn things around soon, all we’ll have to focus on is the 2018 NFL Draft. It’s not time to panic just yet but Big Blue’s issues are obvious. Let’s look at a college player who could help fix the Giants’ problems next season.

Every Friday, we’ll be giving you a New York Giants draft prospect to watch on Saturday as you psych yourself up for Big Blue football on Sunday! Cause everybody knows, the weekends are for football (just don’t tell your girlfriend or wife).

New York Giants Biggest Need: Offensive Line

Until I see Ereck Flowers block somebody, I’m going to keep putting the offensive line as the New York Giants’ biggest need.

For the second week in a row, the New York Giants offensive line struggled in primetime. Just about all of America saw Ereck Flowers get torched by Ziggy Ansah. Everyone also saw the entire line get even worse after shuffling around because of the injury to Bobby Hart. It was a mess and has now gotten national attention.

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John Jerry had a good Week 2, per Pro Football Focus, Weston Richburg has been the most consistent lineman, and Justin Pugh was good in Week 1 at left guard before struggling at right tackle in Week 2. Pugh was replacing the injured Bobby Hart and playing a position he hadn’t played in years. However, overall, the New York Giants offensive line has been one of, if not the worst offensive line in the NFL.

For two weeks now, I’ve given you a college offensive lineman to watch on Saturdays as Giants fans are hoping Jerry Reese will draft someone next year to help fix this huge weakness.

I’ve tried to pick the offensive tackle prospect going up against the best pass rush each week. I’ve done the same this week with a SEC East matchup.

Prospect to Watch: OT/OG Martez Ivey, Florida (Projected 2nd round pick)

I’ve listed Martez Ivey as an OT/OG because he is Florida’s starting left tackle this year but was their left guard the previous two seasons. He was named to the SEC Coaches All-Freshman team in 2015 and second-team All-SEC in 2016.

Ivey is listed at 6’5″ 315 lb. and is expected to play guard at the next level. CBS Sports lists Ivey as the third-best offensive guard prospect in the 2018 NFL Draft.

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This week, Ivey will be matched up against Kentucky’s Josh Allen. Allen has been one of the better edge rushers in the country this year. He has two sacks and 13 total pressures in just three games so far this season.

Ivey, on the other hand, has allowed six total pressures in two games this year. Something’s gotta give on Saturday.

Martez Ivey is still fairly new to the left tackle position and Josh Allen will give him quite a test.

If Ivey performs well against Kentucky, perhaps scouts with think he can stick at tackle, which would improve his draft stock.

The New York Giants should consider drafting Ivey, whether it is as an offensive tackle or guard. Big Blue needs help all across their offensive line.

Ivey’s versatility would also be valuable to the Giants. Having a player who can play tackle or guard (a la Justin Pugh) helps when injuries strike an offensive line (i.e. Bobby Hart) or certain players struggle (i.e. Ereck Flowers).

Next: Three New York Giants Who Need to Improve in Week 3

Martez Ivey will be trying to show NFL scouts whether or not he can play offensive tackle, guard, or both at the next level. The New York Giants should take notice and I hope you do too.

Where to Watch: 20 Florida at Kentucky

Saturday, Sept. 23 – Kroger Field, Lexington, Kentucky – 7:30 pm ET on SEC Network

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