The New York Giants have two top 10 picks in the 2022 NFL draft and assuming they don’t trade out of those spots, should very much consider using them on two different offensive lineman.
That was the line of thinking carried into the latest The Sporting News mock draft, where Vinnie Iyer had the Giants doubling down on their biggest need.
5. New York Giants (4-13)
Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa (6-3, 290 pounds)
The Giants would be smart to target the offensive line in the first round, perhaps multiple times. to boost both Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley. Linderbaum, an intelligent rock of an interior blocker and a perfect long-term line leader, would be a great fit, too, as a major upgrade from Billy Price.
It’s interesting that Iyer had Linderbaum going off the board first to the Giants. In most mock drafts that have New York taking two offensive linemen, he’s usually the second of their first-round picks. However, Linderbaum’s stock is already beginning to rise and many consider him the best all-around offensive lineman available.
Even at a position of reduced value, Linderbaum warrants consideration at No. 5. And he may not even be there when the time comes.
Next up?
7. New York Giants (from Chicago Bears)
Ikem Ekwonu, G/OT, N.C. State (6-4, 320 pounds)
The Giants get another strong blocker with their two top-10 picks, Ekwonu is a strong, powerful run blocker with the nasty streak needed to dominate at times. He can play either inside or outside in the NFL, but with Linderbaum bolstering the middle, it would be nice to have Ekwonu flank left tackle Andrew Thomas on the right side.
Evan Neal is already off the board at No. 3 in this scenario, so the Giants go with the second-best offensive tackle prospect at No. 7 overall.
Ekwonu needs to develop a bit, but he’d immediately start at right tackle for the Giants. That would leave them with two other OL positions — left guard and right guard — to address.
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