Coaches Corner: NFL Draft – Top 5 Offensive Tackles

This will be part 7 in my series of 13 as we take a look at the offensive tackle position in the upcoming draft. The Giants used Nate Solder and Matt Peart at the right tackle position this year with Solder seeing most of the snaps. It’s highly unlikely the Giants will bring Nate Solder back in 2022 and I don’t believe the coaching staffs are completely comfortable handing the RT position over to Peart. So I expect to see the Giants draft an OT early in this draft.

• Evan Neal (Alabama) 6’7/360: Neal has been the top Tackle from day one and with good reason. Massive size to go along with surprising agility and athleticism makes him the clear top offensive tackle in this draft.
• Charles Cross (Mississippi State) 6’5/310: Cross has emerged as the 2^nd best offensive tackle in this draft behind Evan Neal. Cross has great technique and uses his hands well at the point of attack.
• Trevor Penning (Northern Iowa) 6’7/329: Penning’s stock is rising after a strong showing during Senior Bowl week. If Penning can continue to shine during the NFL combine; he could drop further down in the mid 1^st round.
• Darian Kinnard (Kentucky) 6’5/345: Kinnard played against some of the most elite edge rushers in college football (SEC) and held his own quit well. Kinnard has the size, strength and surprisingly quick feet to mirror most edge rushers. Kinnard could also transition over to Guard in the NFL.
• Bernhard Raimann (Central Michigan) 6’7/305: Raimann is another OT that could see his stock rise after the combine as he is reported being the fastest linemen in the upcoming draft (4.85). Raimann also displays solid technique with his footwork and hand placement.

I like the sizes of this offensive tackle class and I definitely see the Giants using one of the first three picks on an offensive tackle when they are on the clock. New GM Joe Schoen during his press conference stressed the need to improve the offensive line.

The Giants have delayed the rebuilding of the offensive line for too long; this needs to be a priority if they want to be a serious playoff contender.