The New York Giants Super Bowl-winning teams led by Bill Parcells and Tom Coughlin were at their best with the offensive line controlling the line of scrimmage.
The 2022 unit has been decimated by the injuries sustained in the preseason. The biggest hit was starting left guard Shane Lemieux, who has a severe toe injury that will keep him out of the season-opener against the Tennessee Titans.
Despite the setbacks, the Giants coaching staff has faith the offensive line will be one of the team’s strengths by season’s end. The unit’s outstanding play has highlighted the Giants preseason schedule. The players have gained newfound confidence from their work with acclaimed offensive line coach Bobby Johnson.
Recently, we previewed the New York Giants starting offensive line after the free agent signings of Mark Glowinski, Jon Feliciano, and Max Garcia. Let’s take a closer look at the Giants offensive line depth chart.
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2022 New York Giants Searching For Quality Offensive Line Depth
LG Joshua Ezeudu
Joshua Ezeudu (2022 third-round pick from UNC) has been an outstanding performer for the Giants since day one of rookie minicamp. With Lemieux’s toe injury, Daboll has not officially announced who will be his replacement in the starting lineup. Do not be surprised if Ezeudu gets the call.
The rookie has excelled as a run-blocker, but his pass-blocking technique has been outstanding in preseason games. It is not out of the realm of possibility to see Ezeudu protecting Daniel Jones’ blindside. Teaming with left tackle Andrew Thomas, Ezeudu will try to pave quality running lanes for Saquon Barkley, who could see a spike in his rushing totals in 2022.
Do not be surprised if it is hard to take Ezeudu out of the starting lineup once Lemieux is eligible to return. He could play himself into the conversation as one of the top offensive rookies in the NFL this season.
OG/C Ben Bredeson
The Giants have been clamoring for depth at the center/guard positions since the tail end of the Tom Coughlin era. Ben Bredeson was brought to the Meadowlands to fill that specific role. However, injuries and inconsistent play derailed his 2021 campaign.
The former Baltimore Raven has taken more reps at the center position this summer. Starter Jon Feliciano struggled to stay on the football field in the preseason. OL coach Bobby Johnson has raved about Bredeson’s ability to call blocking audibles before the ball is snapped. The move from the guard position has paid off and then some.
The center is the most important player on the offensive line. Having an experienced, versatile lineman like Bredeson is a valuable piece, especially if the Giants have any hopes of improving in the win column this season.
OT Devery Hamilton
Newcomer Devery Hamilton has opened the eyes of the Giants coaching staff with outstanding play this summer. The first-year player has grasped the Giants blocking scheme quickly. But for Hamilton, he needs to remain an effective option in the regular season.
Whoever Hamilton is replacing in the lineup, it is less an indictment on the player in question and more on the potential of the Duke product. Now, he will not make an impact like Evan Neal, but Hamilton is the type of offensive lineman who will be ready to play when his number is called.
OL Jack Anderson
The selection of Jack Anderson off the waiver wire will provide added depth to a unit that has been neglected for too long. Anderson has been labeled as a developmental player with a huge upside. He is versatile enough to play anywhere on the line of scrimmage. And 2022 is Anderson’s chance to prove his worth as an interior lineman.
OG Wyatt Davis
The days following the 53-man roster cut-down were filled with practice squad additions and subtractions. One addition that raised some eyebrows was the Giants signing guard Wyatt Davis. The hope is Davis can develop into a quality swing guard for added depth.
Coming out of Ohio State, Davis was considered a late first-round or early second-round talent before the 2021 NFL Draft. He was a good run blocker who struggled with protecting the quarterback in the pocket. The Giants claimed him because the front office feels he is an uncut gem. Under the tutelage of OL coach Bobby Johnson, Davis could fulfill his potential and become an option to start at guard this season.
The Future of Nick Gates and Matt Peart
If the Giants secure quality offensive line depth, it will come down to if Nick Gates and Matt Peart can stay healthy as primary backups after coming off the PUP list.
The Giants medical staff will have the final say if Gates returns to the roster. Currently, he is rehabbing his horrific leg injury from last season. The staff’s final decision will rely on if Gates can withstand the typical “wear-and-tear” of an NFL season.
Peart may have a more uphill climb in staying with the Giants. He missed valuable time in training camp that would have allowed him to showcase himself to the new Giants coaching staff. NFL experience could be the deciding factor in Peart remaining with the Giants in 2022.
Brian Daboll wants to gain consistency from the offensive line as soon as possible. The unit’s play could determine the team’s success for the season.
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