This will be part 3 in a series of six articles breaking down my Top 5 NFL prospects at Center, Guard and Tackle of the offensive line. The Giants offensive line has shown important in 2022, but there are still some missing pieces that GM Joe Schoen will look to fill either during free agency and/or through the draft. The 2023 offensive line class has talent and it’s deeper than we realize, and I expect the Giants to be active in this year’s draft. So, let’s take a look at my top 5 at each position:
Top 5 Tackles
- Peter Skoronski (Northwestern) 6’4/300: Skoronski is well-rounded at the offensive tackle position with impressive technique of his hands and footwork. Skoronski is arguably the most NFL ready offensive tackle in this draft. Projected top 15.
- Paris Johnson Jr (Ohio State) 6’6/310: Johnson is well-rounded in all aspects as an offensive lineman. Johnson is quick off the snap and does extremely as a blocker in space as well as in the trenches. Projected Top 15.
- Broderick Jones (Georgia) 6’4/310: Jones has been titled the most athletic offensive tackle in this draft. Jones has long arms and strong hands with a solid base he utilizes well. Projected top 15.
- Anton Harrison (Oklahoma) 6’5/315: Harrison has good size and length and possesses solid footwork in both the run and in pass protection. Projected late round 1.
- Dawand Jones (Ohio State) 6’8/375: Jones is massive, but has surprising quickness for his size. Jones aside from his size also possesses the widest wing span (7.5 feet) Projected late Round 1 to early Round 2.
Top 5 Guards
- O’Cyrus Torrence (Florida) 6’5/347: Torrence has been slated as the top Guard in college football with his massive size and unique athleticism. Torrence is a mauler and pure power in both as a run blocker and pass protector. Projected Round 1.
- Cody Mauch (South Dakota) 6’3/310: Mauch moved up the rankings with a solid week at the Senior Bowl. Mauch played both guard and tackle in college, but it’s projected that he will move exclusively to guard in the NFL. Projected Round 2.
- Andrew Vorhees (South Carolina) 6’6/325: Vorhees has good size with a solid burst off the snap. Vorhees has a strong base and is equally efficient as a run blocker and a pass defender. Projected Round 3.
- Emil Ekiyor (Alabama) 6’3/307: Ekiyor shows good quickness and flexibility on both blocks in the trenches and in open space. Ekiyor maintains a low center of gravity and has good hand placement and footwork. Projected Round 4.
- Jaxson Kirkland (Washington) 6’7/322: Many describe Kirkland as a blue-collar offensive lineman with his high motor and never quit persona. Kirkland has also played Tackle for Washington, which will help his draft stock. Projected Round 5.
Top 5 Centers
- John Michael Schmitz (Maryland) 6’4/320: Michael-Schmitz is the most complete center in this draft with the strength, technique and high football IQ to start on day one in 2023. Projected Round 2.
- Luke Wypler (Ohio State) 6’3/300: Wypler is as steady as they come with excellent athletic ability and quickness off the snap. Wypler has solid technique and a high football IQ. Projected Round 3
- Steve Avila (TCU) 6’4/330: Avila moves very well for his size and is excellent at the second level as a blocker. Avila is very versatile as he can play all three interior positions, many scouts are projecting him to play center at the NFL level. Projected Round 3.
- Olsegun Olowatani (Michigan) 6’3/308-Olowatani is an Outland Trophy winner this year and well deserving. Olowatani is extremely mobile and plays nasty at the point of attack. Olowatani is also solid in open space and has sound technique both hands & feet/Projected Round 3
- Joe Tippmann (Wisconsin) 6’6/320: Tippmann is a mauler who finishes his blocks and good awareness on stunts. Tippmann rare combination of strength and athleticism makes him a very desirable center in this draft. Projected Round 4.
The consensus for the Giants is that they will look to add possibly two offensive linemen in the upcoming draft where both having versatility. The Center position is the most glaring need as the future of both Jon Feliciano and Nick Gates returning in 2023 still unclear. The unknown currently is when will GM Joe Schoen look to draft a lineman? The overall projection could be on both Day 2 and 3 of the draft.
Keep an eye out for part 4 as we cover the top 5 Defensive Linemen. All draft material is located on The Giants Guys YouTube Channel.