New York Giants Offseason: Reviewing the Offensive Tackle Position
By Sean Dyer
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Free Agency: Nate Solder, Chris Hubbard, James Hurst, Cameron Fleming, LaAdrian Waddle, Ty Nsekhe
The free agent offensive tackle market is not too impressive, but there are a few players who would be improvements over what the New York Giants currently have.
Nate Solder is the cream of the crop this offseason when it comes to offensive tackles. He’s been the starting left tackle for the Patriots for the past seven seasons and has been one of the better blindside blockers in the league.
Solder will cost a premium on the open market but if the Giants are going to open up their checkbooks this offseason, it should be for an offensive lineman. New York, however, is more likely to spend big money on another top free agent lineman who we will talk about tomorrow.
Chris Hubbard has been a reliable reserve and spot starter over the last few years with the Steelers. He started a career-high 10 games in 2017, surrendered just four sacks, and helped open up running lanes for Le’Veon Bell. He would be an upgrade at right tackle for the Giants.
James Hurst has starting experience at both left and right tackle and started 16 games for the Ravens at left guard in 2017. Giants love versatile linemen and Hurst could provide an upgrade at any of the three positions he has experience at.
Cameron Fleming has been a spot starter for the Patriots over the last four years but likely could have been a full-time starter elsewhere. Fleming surrendered 2.5 sacks in six regular-season starts and kept Tom Brady clean over two postseason starts in 2017.
Fellow reserve Patriot lineman LaAdrian Waddle was also reliable when called upon. Waddle made four regular-season starts and one postseason start in 2017 without giving up a sack. He also started eight games for the Lions in 2013 without surrendering a sack. He’d be an upgrade for Big Blue at either tackle spot.
Ty Nsekhe has been one of the best backup left tackles in the league over the past couple seasons for the Redskins. When ranking left tackles in the NFC East, it goes Trent Williams, Tyron Smith, Jason Peters, Ty Nsekhe, a couple of feet of dirt, then Ereck Flowers. Nsekhe has started 11 games over the last three years and surrendered just five sacks.