The Giants should always be interested in the big men, but which ones in particular?
Are the New York Giants going to select some HOG MOLLIES?
Probably, and we get to see the big guys train, measure, and test on Sunday, March 2nd, at 1 PM EST on the NFL Network.
The NFL Scouting Combine got started with big men running on Thursday and the defensive line workout, and that’s how it’ll close. The defensive tackles were an impressive group, and it’ll be up to these offensive linemen to stop them from ruining some quarterback’s day.
Here are some storylines and players to monitor regarding the offensive line.
Offensive line
The top two tackles in the class are Ohio State’s Josh Simmons and LSU’s Will Campbell. Simmons tore his patellar tendon mid-season in 2024. He was sky-rocketing up boards and was almost solidifying himself as the top tackle in the draft before the injury. His medical checks will be critical.
Many teams around the NFL view Campbell as an offensive tackle rather than a guard, but the arm-length discussion could plague Campbell due to team thresholds. Campbell does not have ideal tackle length, and he could measure sub-33 inches, which is a deal breaker for some teams. That measurement, specifically, is important for the LSU star. Armand Membou is another possible day-one talent — who may play offensive guard at the next level — who could make even more money at the event with an overall quality showing.
Star offensive guard Tyler Booker out of Alabama has all the physical traits to be noticeable at the combine. He could be the first interior offensive lineman off the board. Texas’ Kelvin Bank Jr. is another top name to be aware of, and he should be a first-round pick in April.
I do wish, though, that Montana State’s Marcus Wehr and North Carolina OG Willie Lampkin were invited to the combine. Lampkin’s lack of size certainly hurt him in that decision (5’10, 270 pounds at the Senior Bowl). As for Wehr, I’m surprised he did not receive an invite after his performance at the East-West Shrine event and due to his athletic ability.
Combine testing is generally less important for offensive linemen than other position groups. Still, the movement and bag drills are essential. The wave drill measures an offensive lineman’s change of direction, balance, and reactive quickness; the player’s ability to stay low while on the move over a ten-second period not only shows agility and coordination but fatigue as well. Here are some names to monitor through the last day of the combine.
OG Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
Jackson is a highly intelligent and powerful interior offensive lineman who was an unsung hero of Ohio State’s championship run. He shifted to left tackle after Josh Simmons’ injury, and the Buckeyes did not miss a beat. A left guard by trade, Jackson sports heavy hands and good run-blocking ability. He frames his assignments well and delivers good power at the point of contact, albeit his hands and feet could both use refinement.
Jackson is a brute with sufficient athletic ability and an ideal offensive guard build. He’s rarely fooled in pass protection and is good overall in that area, although he’s not very explosive and quickness tends to give him problems. His redirection ability isn’t necessarily a strength but Jackson tends to recover and affect the quick pass rushers in the second to third phase of a play when he is initially beaten – it just doesn’t always look pretty. Overall, Jackson can execute any run assignment and is a good pass protector who plays with power, heavy hands, and a sturdy anchor. He will be one of the first interior offensive linemen selected in the upcoming draft.
OL Grey Zabel, North Dakota State
Zabel played four offensive line positions: 1,064 snaps at RT; 974 at LT; 453 at LG and 222 at RG. He also played 17 snaps at center in his career. Zabel is a fluid athlete with good hip mobility and he exercises excellent play speed. His mind works fast, he has quick hands, and he can move well for a 6-foot-5, 316-pound offensive linemen.
OL Marcus Mbow, Purdue
Mbow played 1,167 snaps at right tackle and 668 snaps at right guard but has not played inside since 2022. He surrounded 25 pressures and three sacks this season and 51 pressures and four sacks in his career (1,092 pass-blocking snaps). He is a good athlete who could test very well on Sunday, and he provides the versatility that teams are looking for in modern NFL linemen. The 6-5, 300-pounder will likely go somewhere on day three.
OT Ozzy Trapilo, Boston College
Raptor put me on to Trapilo, who towers at 6-7, 309 pounds. He started 32 of 40 games at Boston College, allowing just 15 pressures and two sacks in 2024. He surrendered 56 pressures and seven sacks in his college career (1,258 pass-blocking snaps). His father was a fourth-round pick who started games for the Saints and was an All-American at Boston College.
OT Charles Grant, William & Mary
I have not watched Grant’s tape, but I heard excellent things about his athletic ability and his length — he reportedly has a seven-foot wingspan. Offensive line coaches love to get their hands on a moldable developmental player like Grant, who did play five seasons of college football. He only allowed 32 pressures and four sacks in his career as the left tackle at William Mary.
RT Chase Lundt, UCONN
Lundt is a massive 6-8, 305-pound who played almost every snap at right tackle for the Huskies. He only surrendered nine pressures and zero sacks this season, and 63 pressures and six sacks through his career (1,572 pass blocking snaps). Lundt has impressive range and figures to be a zone-blocking right tackle in the NFL. He should perform well in the wave drill due to his lateral movement skills.
